The United Kingdom Thursday hasunveiled sanctions against the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, for his support of Russias invasion of Ukraine.Today we are targeting the enablers and perpetrators of Putins war who have brought untold suffering to Ukraine, the British government said in a statement.The measures, which include a travel ban and asset freezes, are the first Western sanctions to target the religious leader.The Russian Orthodox Church dismissed the sanctions against its leader, saying: "Attempts to intimidate the primate of the Russian Church with something or to force him to renounce his views are senseless, absurd and unpromising."Patriarch Kirill was excluded from the European Unions latest package of sanctions last month after Hungarian officials objected to the plan.The Russian church leader has been widely criticized for his support for Moscows invasion of Ukraine, with some rights groups calling for hisindictment by the International Criminal Court.The 75-year-old has been a key supporter of President Vladimir Putins rule, blessing Russias conflicts abroad and denouncing opposition protests.
He has previously labeled Russias opponents in Ukraine evil forces.Britain also placed sanctions on Russias childrens rights ombudswoman Maria Lvova-Belova for her alleged involvement in the forced transfer and adoption of Ukrainian children.Other individuals to make the sanction list include Moscow politician Sergei Savostyanov, Alexei Isaykin, the president of the Volga-Dnepr Group transport company, and four colonels from the Russian Ground Forces 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, who are alleged to be involved in the killing, rape and torture of civilians in northern Ukraines Bucha.