Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that Malta will be offering oncology services to Ukrainian nationals fleeing war.

Such services which include chemo and radiation therapy, will be offered at the Sir Anthony Mamo oncology centre next to Mater Dei Hospital.

He was responding to questions posed by the press.

Abela said that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been in communication with all EU State leaders and "it is clear" that there are going to be more sanctions because of the Russia invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has come under immense international scrutiny for its invasion of Ukraine, with countries worldwide issuing sanctions in response to its aggression. Economic sanctions were put in place against Russia in recent days, to the point that Russia was excluded from SWIFT on Saturday night. In addition, the EU has banned Russian planes from its airspace.

Abela also spoke about the Ukrainian refugee situation. He said that although Ukraine is on the red Covid-19 list, the government will not interfere with the distribution of refugees and persons coming from Ukraine.

Asked about calls to ban or suspend the sale of citizenship to Russian individuals, he said: "I definitely do not agree with the position taken by Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, to treat people of Russian descent, or Russian nationals as criminals. Our position is clear, we will be applying the agreed upon European sanctions. At the same time, we have to respect the Russian community present in Malta, as they might have nothing to do with the IIP and they most probably also disapprove of the present tensions."

Bernard Grech had appealed to the government to immediately stop receiving and processing applications from Russian nationals wanting to purchase a Maltese passport. Abela's statement indicating that he will not be suspending the sale to Russian nationals comes as the government is facing mounting pressure over the issue.