Hungary signals its readiness to allow the inclusion of Patriarch Kirill in the new sanctions package

This week, ambassadors from the European Union will discuss a "mini-package" of sanctions that may include Kirill Gundyaev, the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. This was reported by European Pravda, citing Euronews. The new sanctions package targets approximately ten individuals previously protected by the former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government, as well as several Russian vessels.

Hungary’s new government has reportedly signaled a willingness to allow the European Union to impose sanctions against Patriarch Kirill and other individuals who were previously under Orbán’s protection. This decision could lead to the inclusion of one of Russia's most influential religious figures on the EU's blacklist. Officials have indicated that a "mini-package" of sanctions is currently in preparation.

The EU first attempted to blacklist Gundyaev in 2022, accusing him of supporting Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and spreading revisionist propaganda. However, under Orbán’s leadership, Hungary blocked this initiative, citing concerns about religious freedom. Now, Brussels is hopeful that the new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, will permit the adoption of this decision. “Sanctions which would undermine Hungary’s economic stability are an absolute no-go. But in cases where the previous government used the power of the Hungarian State to cut private deals, I expect the new government not to block joint EU efforts at increasing the pressure on Russia to end this war,” stated Márton Hajdu, a close ally of Magyar and chair of the Hungarian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

Initially, other Russian individuals, including Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev and oligarch Vyacheslav Kantor, were added to the sanctions list but were later removed at Orbán's insistence. They may now be re-added to the list. “Revising names is not unusual,” noted one source. Furthermore, the proposal also targets several vessels within the “shadow fleet” that Russia uses to bypass Western restrictions on oil sales.

Background: During the European Council meeting on June 18–19 in Brussels, EU leaders will discuss various topics, including the prospects for Ukraine’s accession to the EU, a new 21st package of sanctions against Russia, and peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. Following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on May 11, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kallas, outlined the potential content of the 21st sanctions package against Russia. (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 20. Mai 2026)