The hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) are among Putin's most influential supporters, enablers, and spiritual advisors.

They have been instrumental in designing and perpetuating the anti-Western, nationalistic construct of the “Russian World,” which is now being preached from both state and church pulpits as a justification for the war with Ukraine and against the West.

Their support of the war and Putin’s regime legitimizes Putin’s actions in the eyes of tens of millions of Russian Orthodox. Their influence on the general population, both in their individual and institutional capacity, is enormous. Their influence on Putin personally is likely far greater than that of most of the oligarchs and politicians on whom sanctions have already been imposed. Their sermons are not merely shameful, they are actively harmful and corrupt the minds of millions.

It is high time to impose sanctions on Patriarch Kirill and other ROC hierarchs.