Not only ROC head Kirill – EUobserver reveals who is set to be included in the EU "blacklist"

The European Union may include the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, and the President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, in a new sanctions list as part of the 21st package of restrictions against Russia. This was reported by EUobserver, according to UNN.

Details

According to the draft sanctions package obtained by the publication, the European Commission proposes to impose an entry ban to EU countries and an asset freeze against Dvorkovich.

Brussels believes that Dvorkovich has publicly supported Russia's war against Ukraine and was also associated with the Russian Chess Federation, which organized chess tournaments in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

The sanctions list also proposes to include Patriarch Kirill (Vladimir Gundyayev), who heads the ROC.

The European Commission document states that the head of the Russian Orthodox Church has "consistently justified and supported the Russian aggressive war against Ukraine."

As EUobserver notes, both candidates had been proposed for sanctions previously, but they were blocked by the government of then-Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán.

Following the change of power in Budapest and the election victory of pro-European politician Péter Magyar, the European Union has returned to considering sanctions against Russian religious and sports figures,

In addition, the new sanctions list may include Russia's Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev, the head of the Russian Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili, and the acting president of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov.

According to European diplomatic sources, the new sanctions package may also provide for additional restrictions on individuals and legal entities that facilitate the circumvention of existing EU sanctions. Special attention is planned for structures involved in financing the Russian military machine and propaganda activities.

Experts note that the inclusion of prominent religious and sports figures in the sanctions list has not only practical but also symbolic significance, demonstrating the European Union's intention to increase pressure on individuals who publicly support the aggression against Ukraine.

Currently, the European Commission's proposals must be agreed upon by EU member states as part of the adoption of the 21st package of sanctions against the Russian Federation.

EU gives green light to new "mini-package" of sanctions against Russia10.06.26, 12:47 • 4249 views