The European Union is considering a new package of sanctions that would target senior Russian political, religious, economic, and sports figures, according to a proposed list obtained by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
The sanctions package, which requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, is unlikely to be adopted before late June or early July.
One of the most significant proposed measures is the sanctioning of Patriarch Kirill, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. The move would mark a major shift for the EU, which has traditionally avoided imposing sanctions on religious leaders.
Patriarch Kirill is widely known for his close ties to the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he has repeatedly supported Moscow’s actions and described the war as a “holy” struggle.
His support for the war contributed to the split between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which formally separated from Moscow’s authority.
According to declassified Swiss documents, Kirill has also been accused of past cooperation with Soviet intelligence services.
The EU proposal states that he has “consistently justified and supported Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”
Historian and Kremlin Adviser Also Targeted
Another high-profile figure on the sanctions list is Vladimir Medinsky, a historian and former Russian culture minister who currently serves as a close adviser to Putin.
Medinsky has been criticized by historians and academics for promoting controversial interpretations of Russian and Ukrainian history.
He was also part of Russia’s negotiating team in talks with Ukraine aimed at ending the war.
The EU document describes Medinsky as “a central figure in government propaganda.”
Sports, Energy, and Government Officials Included
Among the 42 individuals reportedly proposed for sanctions are:
- Arkady Dvorkovich, former Russian Deputy Prime Minister and current president of FIDE.
- Mikhail Degtyarev, Russia’s Minister of Sport.
- Vagit Alekperov, head of Lukoil, Russia’s largest privately owned oil company.
The proposed sanctions are part of the EU’s continuing effort to increase pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine by targeting individuals seen as supporting, financing, legitimizing, or benefiting from the conflict.
