In a decisive move to strengthen Ukraine’s independence, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law on Saturday banning the Russian-linked Orthodox Church. The decision was published on the Ukrainian parliament’s website and represents a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to distance itself from Russia.
The Ukrainian government has been working to sever ties with the Russian church since 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. These efforts intensified after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy’s approval of the bill, which was met with condemnation from Russia, came on Ukraine’s Independence Day from the Soviet Union, marking two and a half years since the start of the Russian invasion.
In a televised address on Saturday, Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of the move, stating: “Ukrainian Orthodox (church) today is taking a step towards liberation from Moscow’s devils.”
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church formally declared its independence from the Moscow patriarchy in 2022. However, Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused its clergy of maintaining loyalty to Russia.
Russia’s invasion has been supported by the country’s Orthodox Church leader, Patriarch Kirill, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. The banning of the Russian-linked Orthodox Church in Ukraine is another step in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to assert its sovereignty and independence from Russia’s influence.
