Italy has aligned with Bulgaria in raising objections to the European Union's proposal to sanction Russian Patriarch Kirill as part of the bloc's 21st package of measures against Russia, according to European diplomats familiar with the ongoing negotiations. The proposal, put forward by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, would prohibit Patriarch Kirill from entering the European Union.

Rome has voiced concerns linked to sanctioning a Christian leader.

Italy has aligned with Bulgaria in raising objections to the European Union's proposal to sanction Russian Patriarch Kirill as part of the bloc's 21st package of measures against…