Lithuania has proposed that the European Union impose sanctions on Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill for supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says.

The suggestion was reported by 15min.lt on Sunday, when Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter.

“Yes. Such a proposal exists, but since discussions on a common position are underway, we don’t have definitive answers if it will be possible to do so,” the minister said.

President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow
President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow

He also pointed out that the Lithuanian authorities were involved in consultations on the separation of the Lithuanian Orthodox Church from the Moscow Patriarchate, stressing, however, that the local Orthodox Christian community would make the final decision.

“Discussions and consultations are ongoing, I know that […]. Including with the authorities, on how it would be viewed,” Landsbergis said.