Hungary manages to lift EU sanctions against Patriarch Kirill
Official Budapest believes that sanctions against the head of the Russian Orthodox Church represent an attack on religious freedom.
Hungary has once again insisted on the removal of Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, from the EU sanctions list. This was stated by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
The 15th EU sanctions package, aimed at increasing pressure on Russia, includes restrictions on 54 individuals and 30 entities. The sanctions target those who, according to the EU, "undermine or pose a threat to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine".
This is the third time Budapest has sought Patriarch Kirill's removal from the sanctions list, arguing its decision on the defence of religious freedoms.
As reported by the UOJ, Patriarch Bartholomew accused the head of the Russian Orthodox Church of preaching anti-Christianity.
