Ukraine’s Parliament has passed a law which prohibits the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church and its affiliated religious organizations within the country. This legislation is intended to reduce Russian influence, particularly during the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The law is particularly aimed at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which, despite declaring autonomy from the Moscow Patriarchate, remains under careful examination from Kyiv. The majority of Ukrainians adhere to Orthodox Christianity.

The legislation which is officially titled "Law on Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Activities of Religious Organizations in Ukraine (No 8371)," was passed with a substantial majority of 265 votes in favor, 29 against, and four abstentions. The Ukrainian government views this law as essential in protecting its citizens from what it describes as "terrorist hostile propaganda" emanating from Russia.

International Reactions to Ukraine’s Restrictions on the Orthodox Church

On August 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed his gratitude on social media platform X after meeting with representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. “I am grateful for the support of the legislative initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s spiritual independence,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasising the significance of the law.

Orthodox Church
Image Source:
The World Economic Forum

The legislation has been talked about as a historic and irreversible step toward eliminating Russian influence within Ukraine’s religious institutions. Ukrainian MP Roman Lozynskyi shared his views on Facebook, calling it a "historic vote" and stating that Ukraine has started on an "irreversible path of cleansing from within the Kremlin agent network, which for decades has hidden behind the mask of a religious organization."

The Ukrainian government has long accused the UOC of serving as a tool for Russian influence and propaganda. Although the UOC declared full autonomy from the Moscow Patriarchate after the outbreak of the conflict in 2022, Ukrainian authorities have remained suspicious of its true loyalties.

Under the new law, any religious organization linked to the Russian Orthodox Church will be legally prohibited from operating in Ukraine. Their activities will be stopped through legal channels. The law further bans the promotion of the "Russian world" ideology—a concept closely associated with Russian nationalism and expansionism—through religious organizations. The Ukrainian government considers this ideology as a threat to national security, and the new law aims to prevent its spread within the country.

Orthodox Church
Image Source: St. Mary's Orthodox Church

However, the law has faced criticism from various quarters. Robert Amsterdam, an international lawyer representing the UOC, has shared his strong opposition, stating that this development marks "a dark new chapter for human rights in Ukraine." Amsterdam, who leads the #SaveTheUOC campaign, argued that the draft law 8371 "amounts to one of the most severe restrictions of religious freedom of the modern era."

The Russian Orthodox Church has also condemned the legislation. Its spokesman, Vladimir Legoida, said "an unlawful act" and described it as "the grossest violation of the basic principles of freedom of conscience and human rights" in a statement on Telegram.

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