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
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.