EU Prepares First Major Move Against Russian Orthodox Church After Orbán’s Defeat

The European Union is preparing a new round of sanctions against Russia that could include measures targeting senior figures of the Russian Orthodox Church, including Patriarch Kirill, following political changes in Hungary that removed a key obstacle to previous restrictions.

According to Politico on May 11, EU officials and diplomats have begun discussions on a 21st sanctions package expected to be finalized by late June or early July. The measures would reportedly focus on Russia’s financial sector, military-industrial complex, shadow oil fleet, and entities linked to the sale of grain taken from occupied Ukrainian territories.

Several sanctions proposals previously blocked by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are now being reconsidered in Brussels, including measures targeting senior Russian Orthodox Church officials such as Patriarch Kirill, who has publicly supported Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Read more

Category

Latest news

Nuclear Weapons Shouldn’t Cause Fear, Christians Aren’t Afraid of the End of the World, Says Russian Patriarch Kirill

Nov 28, 2024 13:08

Kirill, whose secular name is Vladimir Gundyayev, has previously described the war as a “metaphysical struggle” and has claimed that Russia “has never attacked anyone” in its history. He is already under sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Czech Republic, while Estonia and Lithuania have barred him from entering their territories.

According to Politico, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting of European foreign ministers in Luxembourg that the political changes in Hungary created new momentum for sanctions discussions.

“After the elections in Hungary, there is a new impulse [for restrictive measures],” Kallas said. “We should return to sanctions that were previously discussed but not agreed upon, as well as move forward with a new package.”

The proposed sanctions package is also expected to expand restrictions against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet used to transport oil exports. EU officials are discussing additional maritime restrictions aimed at limiting one of the Kremlin’s major sources of revenue.

Read more

Category

Anti-Fake

Pro-Putin Nuns Sell War at Christmas Markets

Dec 12, 2025 16:03

One EU official cited by Politico said Russia’s economy is currently in “the worst condition since the start of the war,” adding: “Now is the right time to increase pressure, because things are not going well for Russia.”

The report added that the European Commission may revisit a proposal to prohibit European companies and ports from providing maritime services to tankers carrying Russian oil.

The measure had reportedly been considered during discussions on the EU’s 20th sanctions package but faced opposition from Greece and Malta, while instability in Middle Eastern energy markets also complicated negotiations.

Earlier, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on 85 Russian-linked individuals and entities accused of conducting influence operations abroad, including the deportation, militarization, and ideological indoctrination of Ukrainian children in territories occupied by Russia.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense