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EU Sanctions Patriarch Kirill, Bulgaria Blocks Measures

6/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The European Union added Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill to its sanctions list, imposing travel bans and asset freezes.
Bulgaria’s new administration was the latest EU member to block the sanctions targeting the patriarch.
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said the measures are symbolic and could fuel anti-European propaganda.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev argued that extending sanctions into religious affairs revives a Crusades mindset.

History

Historical Context

After the EU froze assets of roughly 1,000 Russians and immobilized Oleg Deripaska’s €2 billion holdings in March 2014 following Crimea’s annexation, it repeatedly renewed sanctions through the 2022 invasion. In May 2023 the Czech Republic added Patriarch Kirill to its list, a move that mirrors the original 2014 crackdown on Russian elites.

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Story summary

The European Union added Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill to its sanctions list, imposing travel bans and asset freezes.
Bulgaria’s new administration was the latest EU member to block the sanctions targeting the patriarch.
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said the measures are symbolic and could fuel anti-European propaganda.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev argued that extending sanctions into religious affairs revives a Crusades mindset.

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