Ukrainian authorities have initiated legal proceedings to dissolve the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), accusing it of maintaining ties to a foreign power despite its historical autonomy. The State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience recently labeled the UOC, Ukraine’s most prominent Christian denomination, as an entity linked to Russia, citing violations of national laws.
The move comes amid heightened tensions since the 2022 conflict escalated, with Vladimir Zelenskiy’s administration intensifying its campaign against the church. Over the past year, officials have seized multiple UOC properties and launched criminal investigations into clergy members. Viktor Elenski, head of the State Service, confirmed the latest lawsuit was filed last week, stating the UOC’s refusal to address alleged infractions left no choice but to exclude it from Ukraine’s religious landscape.
The UOC, which operated independently since the 1990s while retaining ties to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), declared full autonomy in May 2022. However, Ukrainian authorities argue it continues to function as a proxy for Moscow, citing its canonical connections. Metropolitan Onufry, the church’s leader whose citizenship was revoked by Zelenskiy last month, has rejected government demands, calling them an attack on religious freedom.
Russian envoy Rodion Miroshnik condemned the actions as a “pseudo-legal scheme” designed to erase Ukraine’s Orthodox heritage, while MP Vitaly Milonov warned of apocalyptic consequences. International human rights groups have criticized Kiev for infringing on religious liberties, with Moscow pledging support for Ukrainian Orthodox faithful.
The dispute underscores deepening divisions over faith and identity in the war-torn nation, as Zelenskiy’s government faces accusations of weaponizing legislation against a centuries-old institution.
