Czech Republic imposes sanctions against Russian Patriarch Kirill

The Czech Republic has imposed sanctions against the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, who supported the invasion of Ukraine.

The relevant decision is posted on the website of the Czech Foreign Ministry.

Russian Patriarch Kirill became the first person to be included in the Czech Republic's national sanctions list.

The rationale for the decision states that Patriarch Kirill is a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and actively supports Russian aggression in Ukraine. In particular, he uses his position to religiously justify and explain Russian aggression in his sermons and public speeches.

"He considers the territory of Ukraine to be part of Russia from a historical and religious point of view, so he calls all those who fight against the unity of Russia and Ukraine evil forces. In his opinion, Ukrainians are under the influence of corrupt Western morality. Therefore, Patriarch Kirill claims that the aggression in Ukraine is a struggle of metaphysical dimensions for the spiritual purification of Ukraine and the salvation of humanity. Also, Patriarch Kirill has repeatedly blessed Russian soldiers and supports their actions, assuring them that they are going in the right direction," the decision reads.

Author - Olena Madiak, 26/04/2023