Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has been listed among the figures considered for the European Union’s newest round of sanctions against Russia, as reported by Euronews.
Diplomats cited by Euronews say his name has again been put forward after earlier efforts failed in 2022, when Hungary blocked the proposal at the time. The latest draft sanctions list, presented this week, reportedly includes him as part of a wider package.
Kirill, who leads the Russian Church, has drawn international criticism for his public support of Russia’s war narrative. Under his leadership, church-linked statements have described the invasion of Ukraine in ideological terms, including references to it as a “holy war,” and have been accused of promoting messaging that undermines Ukrainian sovereignty.
An earlier attempt to sanction him in 2022 was halted after Hungary vetoed the decision, citing concerns over religious freedom. That position at the time prevented the EU from moving forward.
According to Euronews sources, Hungary’s current government has shown a different stance, which has allowed the issue to resurface in the latest negotiations.
Even so, the decision is not final. Any sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 EU countries, and individuals can still be removed from the list during talks if a consensus cannot be reached.
The EU is aiming to complete its 21st sanctions package by mid-July.
Source: euronews.com
