A bill has been introduced in the Verkhovna Rada proposing the liquidation, through judicial processes, of religious organizations whose representatives are found to have committed crimes that strike at the foundations of Ukraine’s national security. This development has been reported by Strana.ua.
The legislation reportedly targets offenses outlined in the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including war propaganda, incitement of interreligious hatred, terrorism, planning and facilitating aggressive warfare, violations of the laws and customs of war, genocide, and mercenary activity.
Strana.ua notes that the measure is aimed at restricting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), a church whose clergy have faced regular criminal proceedings initiated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) under these statutes.
According to Glavkom, the bill was registered by Nikita Poturaev, who chairs the Committee on Humanitarian Aid and Information Policy in the Verkhovna Rada. The SBU has publicly supported the idea of adopting such a document, and the head of the agency, Vasily Malyuk, sent an official appeal to deputies backing the proposal.
Since February 2022, Ukrainian authorities have opened dozens of criminal cases against UOC clergy, including allegations of cooperation with the Russian Federation, as reported in recent updates.
In the wake of these developments, authorities across various regions have increased actions against the UOC, including closures of church properties, imposition of sanctions, and criminal charges against clergy members, all cited as evidence of ties between the church and Russia. A bill has been introduced in Parliament with the aim of banning the church’s activities nationwide, a move that has sparked extensive debate among policymakers and the public.
Ruslan Stefanchuk, the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, has voiced concerns about the likelihood of securing the necessary votes to enact such a ban, noting that achieving a two-thirds majority would be essential for legislative passage. The political calculus surrounding the measure remains complex and closely watched by observers, with opinions divided on the implications for religious freedom and national security.
Statements from Russian officials have added to the controversy, with remarks suggesting broader strategic aims behind the tightening stance toward the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the broader religious landscape in Ukraine. The evolving legal and political debate continues to unfold as lawmakers assess potential impacts on religious communities, civil rights, and Ukraine’s ongoing security considerations.