Hungary blocks EU sanctions against Patriarch Kirill again

Péter Szijjártó and Patriarch Kirill. Photo: DECR MP

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Budapest has blocked the introduction of EU sanctions against 27 individuals and organizations in Russia as part of the 16th sanctions package, including sanctions against Patriarch Kirill. This was reported by TASS.

"We prevented this because if we include church leaders in the sanctions list, we deprive the churches themselves of the ability to advocate for peace," the minister said in a video message on M1 TV.

He reminded that the Hungarian government has long opposed sanctions against Russia, arguing that they have failed to achieve their intended goals and have instead harmed the EU’s own economy.

Szijjártó also noted that with the beginning of the conflict resolution process in Ukraine, the primary reason for the sanctions may be eliminated, and they should be lifted.

"The time for sanction policies has passed; a new reality has emerged. The negotiations between the United States and Russia are very encouraging," the Hungarian foreign minister emphasized.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Hungary had previously secured the removal of EU sanctions against Patriarch Kirill under the 15th sanctions package.

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