UK sanctions Patriarch Kirill over support for Russian war in Ukraine

Patriarch Kirill has been sanctioned over his support for Russia's war in Ukraine. (Photo: UK government)

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church is among the latest round of individuals to be sanctioned by the UK government in connection with the war in Ukraine. 

Patriarch Kirill has been sanctioned "for his prominent support of Russian military aggression in Ukraine". 

Others to be sanctioned include Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for her alleged involvement in the forced transfer and adoption of Ukrainian children.

Lvova-Belova has been accused of enabling the violent removal of 2,000 vulnerable children from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions and "orchestrating a new policy to facilitate their forced adoptions in Russia".

The UK government called the reports "barbaric". 

Four colonels from the 64th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade have also been sanctioned over their role in the war. The UK government said the unit was "known to have killed, raped, and tortured civilians in Bucha".

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: "Today we are targeting the enablers and perpetrators of Putin's war who have brought untold suffering to Ukraine, including the forced transfer and adoption of children.

"We will not tire of defending freedom and democracy, and keeping up the pressure on Putin, until Ukraine succeeds.

"Putin's allies continue to choose to turn a blind eye to alleged war crimes and support his bloody offensive."

News
Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.

The pope that is remembered each year on December 31
The pope that is remembered each year on December 31

In many European countries, December 31, also known as New Year’s Eve, is better known as St Sylvester’s Day or simply Sylvester, named after a pope from the time of the Council of Nicaea. This is the story …