![\"Italy](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/people\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783078312.webp\" "\\"Italy")
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Credit: ITAR-TASS News Agency \/ Alamy Stock Photo<\/p>\n
According to three EU diplomats, Italy has joined Bulgaria in expressing concerns over proposed sanctions against Russia\u2019s Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. <\/p>\n
Chief EU diplomat Kaja Kallas<\/a> has proposed an EU visa ban for Kirill, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who has repeatedly praised and justified Moscow\u2019s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as part of the EU\u2019s 21st\u00a0package of sanctions against Russia, News.Az<\/a> reports, citing Politico<\/a>.<\/p>\n But the move has run into objections from Bulgaria, which has a substantial Orthodox population, as well as a \u201creservation\u201d \u2014 diplomatic language for concerns that need to be resolved, short of a veto \u2014 from Rome. The three diplomats were granted anonymity to discuss closed-door deliberations on sanctions.<\/p>\n Rome\u2019s concern stems from the Vatican and centers on unease about sanctioning the leader of a Christian denomination, according to one of the diplomats. A spokesperson from Italy\u2019s permanent representation to the EU declined to comment.<\/p>\n EU diplomats have also been discussing a proposal to freeze a price cap on Russian oil sales, currently established at $44 per barrel. The proposal from Kallas\u2019s office is to delay a review of the price cap, which is due to come in mid-July and would automatically increase if no action is taken.<\/p>\n Greece, Malta and Cyprus \u2014 all countries with substantial shipping sectors that help service Russian vessels \u2014 have objected to delaying the price cap review, according to the same diplomats. Greece and Malta previously objected to a proposal to ban providing maritime services to Russian vessels, leading to the proposal\u2019s suspension.<\/p>\n Another point of friction is a proposal to ban Russian former combatants from entering the EU. France and Italy have voiced concerns, per the same diplomats.<\/p>\n The 21st\u00a0package of sanctions, unveiled by Kallas on June 9, targets Russia\u2019s military-industrial and financial sectors supporting its war against Ukraine. The combination of sanctions and Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russia\u2019s oil refining sector is\u00a0taking a toll on the country\u2019s economy, with two-thirds of Russia\u2019s 83 regions reporting\u00a0problems with fuel supply.<\/p>\n