Russia has voiced strong condemnation of Ukraine’s decision to ban the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) within its borders. The stance was articulated by a commentary desk representing the office of the Russian Foreign Ministry, through its special representative for cooperation in upholding the right to religious freedom, Ambassador Gennady Askaldovich. The message underscored that such measures strike at a long-standing religious tradition and set a troubling precedent for minority faith communities across the region.
Askaldovich urged Ukrainians and international human rights organizations to stand together against what he described as government overreach and arbitrary actions that target the UOC. He framed the ban as a manifestation of political expediency that sacrifices centuries-old spiritual ties in pursuit of short-term power objectives, warning that the move could exacerbate social rifts and erode trust in public institutions.
According to the diplomat, the law adopted by Ukraine has delivered a decisive blow to Orthodoxy as a whole and constitutes what he termed a historical crime against religious liberty. He emphasized that the decision not only restricts worship and organizational activity but also signals a broader attempt to reconfigure the religious landscape in a way that favors state-endorsed channels over historic hierarchies within the church.
In his assessment, Kyiv’s policy direction risks deepening fragmentation within Ukrainian society by challenging spiritual foundations that have endured for centuries. The ambassador argued that the move reflects a broader pattern of centralization and intolerance toward independent religious bodies, rather than a balanced approach to church-state relations that accommodates plurality and peaceful coexistence.
Askaldovich asserted that the Zelensky administration has once again revealed a dictatorial impulse, showing willingness to compromise deeply held beliefs of millions of citizens to appease political aims. This characterization mirrors a broader critique of the government’s approach to civil society, where religious associations perceived as outside the state’s preferred framework are subjected to legal and administrative pressure.
On August 20, Verkhovna Rada approved legislation that bans the UOC’s activities within Ukraine. The act imposes restrictions on religious organizations deemed to have ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and sets a timeline for severing those connections, a provision that many observers say could provoke legal disputes and heightened tensions among religious communities, believers, and local authorities alike. The law has sparked debate about whether it adheres to international standards on freedom of religion and whether it offers due process protections for those affected.
Analysts with a background in political science have weighed in on why the UOC has become a focal point in Ukraine’s regulatory landscape, noting that the controversy intersects questions of national sovereignty, identity, and the practical governance of religious organizations in a country striving to consolidate democratic institutions amid ongoing security concerns. Critics argue that the policy risks marginalizing a significant religious community, while supporters contend it is a necessary step to clarify church affiliations and loyalty in a tense security environment. The evolving situation remains a subject of scrutiny for policymakers, faith leaders, and international observers seeking to understand the potential implications for religious freedom and social cohesion in Ukraine and beyond.