Religious communities in the occupied territories have become an instrument of the Kremlin’s influence through the Russian Orthodox Church
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has reported large-scale violations of religious freedoms in the territories occupied by Russia. According to Ukrainian diplomats, the Russian occupation authorities systematically persecute religious communities, destroy churches and force clergy to obey the Moscow Patriarchate.
Source: Holosameryky
In a statement released on January 10 on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is said that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has destroyed or damaged more than 630 religious sites, deported and killed dozens of clergy. Some of them were killed while performing rites in liturgical vestments.
“According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 67 ministers of various churches and religious organizations lost their lives as a result of the actions of the Russian occupiers. Russia is deliberately destroying religious structures, banning the activities of denominations and appropriating church property,” the statement said.
Ukraine once again calls on the international community to pay attention to these human rights violations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the role of the Russian Orthodox Church, which acts as an instrument of Kremlin influence in the occupied territories.
A report by International Christian Concern (ICC), published in early January 2025, emphasizes that the persecution of Christian communities is part of Russia’s strategy to destroy Ukrainian identity. The report emphasizes the close cooperation of the Russian Orthodox Church with the Russian authorities, and its head, Patriarch Kirill, openly supports the Kremlin’s aggressive policies.
“The Russian Orthodox Church sanctifies crimes against the Ukrainian people and promotes the ideology of the ‘Russian world’ that justifies war and aggression against Ukraine,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The report also states that the Russian authorities have banned the activities of many religious organizations in the occupied territories, including the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and Caritas charitable foundations. According to experts, such actions are aimed at suppressing independent opinions and support for local communities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine denied recent accusations by the UN of allegedly restricting religious freedoms in Ukraine. Ukrainian diplomats emphasized that these conclusions are manipulative and distort reality, as it is Russia that uses religion as a weapon of war.
“The criminal activities of the Russian Orthodox Church are aimed at destroying Ukrainian culture, identity and statehood,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The ICC report also warns that Russian repression of religious communities in the occupied territories will continue as part of Russia’s broader strategy to eliminate Ukrainian national identity and consolidate control over the seized lands.
