The Russian occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied territories of the Kherson region continue to systematically persecute religious minorities, in particular Protestant communities, in an attempt to destroy Ukrainian spiritual and national identity. This is stated in the latest report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Forced “crossing” of churches and torture of believers
According to the Center for National Resistance, the occupation administrations are forcibly changing the status of Ukrainian churches, turning them into centers of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (ROC MP). Churches are being re-consecrated, and clergymen loyal to the Kremlin are actually cooperating with the repressive authorities.
Priests of the ROC-MP oversee the torture of Ukrainian Protestants, including evangelical Christians, and force children to pray for the so-called “Russian world,” an ideological concept that includes the promotion of the Russian language, culture, Orthodoxy, and pro-Kremlin propaganda.
Religious persecution in the TOT
ISW analysts emphasize that religious oppression has become part of Russia’s policy in the occupied territories. Cases of arbitrary arrests, murders of Ukrainian clergy, as well as robberies, destruction and desecration of churches and other religious buildings have been recorded.
“The Russian occupation authorities are systematically putting pressure on Ukrainian Orthodox communities, Protestant churches and Baptists. Religious minorities are subjected to ill-treatment, neglect and repression throughout the occupied south of Ukraine,” the ISW report says.
Earlier, the National Resistance Center reported that in Melitopol, which remains under temporary occupation, the Russian authorities introduced compulsory military training for all high school students. It is impossible to get a diploma without undergoing “military training” – this applies to both boys and girls.
