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🇸🇪 Sweden /Conflict & Security

Can Russian Patriarch Kirill Now Be Blacklisted?

From Svenska Dagbladet · (9m ago) Swedish Critical tone

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill, who has publicly supported Russia's war in Ukraine, was previously protected from EU sanctions by Hungary.
  • Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had blocked Kirill's inclusion on the EU's blacklist.
  • With a potential change in Hungary's leadership, Kirill's protection may be removed, potentially leading to sanctions.

The European Union's consideration of sanctioning Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, marks a significant potential shift in diplomatic relations. Kirill has been a vocal proponent of Russia's actions in Ukraine, notably ordering clergy to pray for the war effort and praising Russian soldiers. His open support for President Putin, whom he once called a "miracle of God," has drawn international condemnation. However, his inclusion on the EU's sanctions list has been repeatedly blocked by Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has maintained close ties with Moscow.

According to reports, Orbán personally shielded Kirill from being blacklisted, preventing the freezing of his assets and a travel ban within the EU. This protection was a key point of contention, highlighting Hungary's unique position within the bloc regarding sanctions against Russia. The EU's decision-making process requires unanimous consent for such measures, and Hungary's opposition effectively stalled any action against the Patriarch.

He blesses the war in Ukraine and calls Putin a miracle of God.

— articleDescribes Patriarch Kirill's public stance on the war in Ukraine and his relationship with Vladimir Putin.

However, the political landscape in Hungary may be evolving. With potential changes in leadership, the protective shield that has shielded Kirill from EU sanctions could be removed. This development raises the possibility that Kirill may finally face sanctions, aligning the EU's stance more uniformly against figures associated with the Russian government's actions in Ukraine. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the ongoing efforts to exert pressure on Russia through targeted sanctions.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow was never blacklisted by the EU, as he was protected by Viktor Orbán.

— articleExplains how Hungary, under Viktor Orbán, prevented Patriarch Kirill from being sanctioned by the EU.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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