Simferopol and Crimean Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov), who has been called “Putin’s spiritual father,” has been included in the sanctions list for his “active role in spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation aimed at justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.” The EU says the Russian bishop, with the secular name Georgy Shevkunov, “systematically spreads” disinformation about “Nazism” in Ukraine, denies its sovereignty, and claims that the attack on the country is sanctioned by God. Through sermons, media platforms, state-funded cultural projects and direct fundraising for Russian troops in occupied Crimea, he promotes and supports Russia’s military actions,” the reasons for the decision say.
“Therefore, Georgy Shevkunov implements and supports actions and policies attributed to the government of the Russian Federation that undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability and security in the Union and in a third country, Ukraine, through coordinated information manipulation and interference, as well as by supporting violent conflict in that third country, Ukraine.”
The new sanctions list includes 80 more legal entities and individuals. The EU said the sanctions target individuals and organizations that Brussels believes support the Russian authorities or assist in circumventing the restrictions already in place.
Including Metropolitan Tikhon on the sanctions list could significantly limit his international activities and contacts outside Russia. Sanctions typically result in the freezing of any assets in the EU, a ban on providing funds or economic resources from European individuals and organizations, as well as travel restrictions in the EU countries. This would make it difficult for him to participate in international church, cultural or public events, to finance related initiatives and to maintain institutional partnerships with EU organizations. In addition to the practical consequences, the sanctions also have a strong reputational effect, as they publicly designate him as a person who, according to the EU, is associated with the dissemination of Russian propaganda and disinformation in support of the war against Ukraine.
On June 9, the European Union announced a new, 21st, package of sanctions against Russia. It is not yet known when it will be introduced. It is planned to include 90 banks, as well as other sanctioned individuals. In addition, the European Commission proposes to ban entry into the European Union of anyone who participated in the Russian-Ukrainian war on the side of Russia.
