EU Sanctions Metr. Tikhon of Simferopol and Crimea

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — The European Union has added Metr. Tikhon (Shevkunov) of Simferopol and Crimea to its latest sanctions package against Russia, accusing the senior Russian Orthodox hierarch of supporting narratives that justify Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

According to an official EU document published June 15, the sanctions were imposed under the Metropolitan’s secular name, Georgiy Shevkunov. The EU alleges that Metr. Tikhon has played an active role in disseminating Russian state narratives concerning the conflict, including claims regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and the justification of Russia’s military actions. European officials further contend that he has used sermons, media appearances, cultural initiatives, and fundraising efforts to support Russia’s position in the war.

In its explanation, the EU stated that Metr. Tikhon is involved in activities that support policies attributed to the Russian government and that such actions contribute to information campaigns and interference efforts related to the conflict in Ukraine. The sanctions form part of a broader package targeting Russian officials, organizations, and state-linked entities. The official accusations leveled against Metr. Tikhon are:

Shevkunov is a Bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church who plays an active role in spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation aimed at justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. Shevkunov systematically spreads pro-Kremlin disinformation, including claims of “Nazism” in Ukraine. He also denies Ukraine’s sovereignty, and justifies Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as necessary, defensive and divinely sanctioned. Through sermons, media platforms, state-funded cultural projects, and direct fundraising for Russian troops in occupied Crimea, he promotes and enables Russia’s military actions. Therefore, Georgiy Shevkunov is implementing and supporting actions and policies attributable to the Government of the Russian Federation, which undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability and security in the Union and a third country (Ukraine), with coordinated information manipulation and interference, and through supporting a violent conflict in the third country (Ukraine).

Metr. Tikhon is widely known in the Orthodox world as the author of the bestselling spiritual memoir "Everyday Saints." His inclusion comes as the EU continues to expand sanctions connected to the war. Meanwhile, Patr. Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has previously been discussed as a potential sanctions target, though no EU sanctions have yet been imposed against him.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. John said the Orthodox Church was a key pillar in Albania’s path to the European Union.