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.
Read also
Priests and laity of Rivne Eparchy donate blood for children with cancer
In Rivne, the UOC clergy and laity have donated blood for children undergoing treatment for cancer.
Kyiv seminary students meet with People’s Artist Larisa Kadochnikova
Students of Kyiv’s theological schools spoke with the legend of Ukrainian cinema, who shared her memories of filming "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors".
Bancheny Monastery reports provocation
The UOC monastery in Bancheny has reported a provocation by unidentified individuals.
Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine
On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.