The European Union has imposed sanctions on the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, marking a significant shift after Hungary ended its four-year blockade of the measure. The decision, confirmed by EU officials on Tuesday, tightens the bloc's pressure on Moscow and could limit Russia's ability to sidestep oil restrictions.
Hungary ends its lone holdout
Budapest had been the sole EU member blocking the sanctions package, which targets the church leader for his vocal support of Russia's war in Ukraine. The veto had frustrated other member states for years, but Hungarian diplomats signaled a change in position ahead of this week's foreign affairs council. The policy reversal allowed the sanctions to pass unanimously, a rare show of cohesion on a subject that often divides the bloc.
Why Hungary dropped its opposition remains a matter of debate. Some diplomats point to behind-the-scenes negotiations that offered Budapest concessions on unrelated issues. Others suggest the war's shifting dynamics made continued resistance untenable. Whatever the reason, the result is a stronger front against the Kremlin.
What the sanctions mean
The EU hasn't detailed the specific restrictions, but asset freezes and travel bans are typical for such listings. The church leader, a longtime ally of President Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly blessed the invasion and called it a holy war. EU officials argue his influence helps legitimize the conflict both inside Russia and among Orthodox communities worldwide.
By cutting him off from European financial systems and barring entry to the bloc, the EU hopes to erode that soft-power support. The move also sends a signal: no one who bolsters the war effort is beyond reach, even a religious figure.
Unity could tighten oil sanctions
The breakthrough may have knock-on effects beyond the church. Hungary's veto had prevented the EU from adopting tougher measures to close loopholes in the oil price cap. With that obstacle gone, the bloc can now pursue stricter enforcement against ships and entities that help Russia export crude above the agreed ceiling.
That matters because the cap, set by the G7 and EU, relies on member states checking insurance and shipping documents. Any weak link in the chain lets Russian oil flow at higher prices, funding the war chest. A united EU makes it harder for Moscow to find workarounds.
But implementing those tighter rules still requires a separate vote. Diplomats expect the discussion to move quickly now that consensus seems easier to reach.
The sanctions on the church leader take effect immediately. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the decision shows the bloc's resolve, though he did not elaborate on enforcement. Next steps will be reviewed at the next council meeting in May.
