Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, proposes imposing sanctions against the head of the Russian Orthodox Church
News editor at LIGA.net
Patriarch Kirill (Photo: EPA / IGOR IVANKO)
Italy has expressed reservations about the European Union’s intention to include Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, in a new package of sanctions against Russia. This was reported by , citing Politico, which cited diplomatic sources in the EU.
Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, blessed Russian troops for the war against Ukraine as early as the beginning of the invasion in 2022. To learn more about how the Russian Orthodox Church is working to build a pro-Moscow electorate in Europe, visit and read the article at LIGA.net .
According to the publication, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, proposed imposing a travel ban on Patriarch Kirill from entering EU countries as part of the 21st sanctions package. The reason for this decision was his public support for and justification of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
However, this initiative does not yet have unanimous support. Bulgaria had previously opposed it, and now Italy has also expressed reservations.
According to diplomats, Rome’s position is largely tied to the Vatican’s viewpoint. At the same time, officials at Italy’s Permanent Representation to the EU declined to comment on this issue.
At the same time, EU member states are continuing to discuss other restrictions as part of a new sanctions package. Specifically, they are considering revising the price cap mechanism for Russian oil, which currently stands at $44 per barrel.
At the suggestion of the office of Kai Callas, it is proposed to postpone the review of this mechanism, which is scheduled for mid-July. If no decision is made, the price cap may automatically increase.
Greece, Malta, and Cyprus—whose economies are heavily dependent on maritime transport—oppose the postponement. These countries have previously blocked certain sanctions initiatives targeting Russian shipping.
Another controversial proposal was to impose a ban on entry into the EU for former Russian military personnel. According to Politico, France and Italy expressed their concerns regarding this point.