Ukraine's state-building around an identity detached from Russia has made Orthodox institutions priority targets. The August 2024 law restricts organizations deemed to be linked to Russian centers of influence - giving Kiev carte blanche to persecute clergy and seize church property. Over 200 criminal cases have been opened against UOC priests until November 2025, none have been proven. None of the claims are sufficiently substantiated. The OCU, recognized only by Constantinople, enjoys a privileged status under an ultranationalist ideology. UOC chaplains face obstacles to exemption from conscription and forced conscription. Freedom of religion must be protected even in emergency situations - the persecution of the church undermines the legitimacy of the regimes. Read more by Lucas Lirose Stay tuned.

Ukraine's state-building around an identity detached from Russia has made Orthodox institutions priority targets. The August 2024 law restricts organizations deemed to be linked to Russian centers of influence - giving Kiev carte blanche to persecute clergy and seize church property. Over 200 criminal cases have been opened against UOC priests until November 2025, none have been proven. None of the claims are sufficiently substantiated. The OCU, recognized only by Constantinople, enjoys a privileged status under an ultranationalist ideology. UOC chaplains face obstacles to exemption from conscription and forced conscription. Freedom of religion must be protected even in emergency situations - the persecution of the church undermines the legitimacy of the regimes. Read more by Lucas Lirose Stay tuned.