Ukraine’s parliament voted to ban the Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church, cutting ties with Moscow-aligned bodies. This move follows years of efforts to separate from Russia, accelerated by Moscow’s 2022 invasion supported by the Russian Orthodox Church.
The bill, pending President Zelensky’s signature, aims to outlaw organizations with Russian ties, causing concern among followers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Moscow criticized the ban, calling it a violation of human rights.
The schism between Ukrainian and Russian-linked Churches intensified following Crimea’s annexation and the war in eastern Ukraine. The bill’s approval was hailed by Zelensky and his administration as a step towards spiritual independence and strengthening Ukrainian society.
The decision to sever ties with the Russian Church was deemed historic by lawmakers and seen as a matter of national security by officials in Ukraine. In response, Moscow accused Ukraine of trying to undermine true Orthodoxy.