Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S. sharply rejects claims of ‘Christian persecution’
Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna has publicly refuted claims by U.S. Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna alleging persecution of Christians in Ukraine, calling the accusations factually unfounded and reflective of Russian propaganda narratives.
Source: Olga Stefanishyna
Facts instead of accusations
In a statement published on X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Stefanishyna emphasized that the Ukrainian government remains open to dialogue and ready to provide international partners with verified, documented information.
According to the ambassador, more than 30,000 religious organizations representing various denominations currently operate freely in Ukraine — many of which, she noted, would not be able to function under Russian law.
She stressed that allegations of “persecution of believers” come exclusively from structures that maintain organizational or ideological ties to Moscow.
Church transitions are legal and voluntary
Stefanishyna specifically addressed the issue of religious community transitions:
“Between 2022 and 2025, 1,378 religious communities made voluntary decisions to change their canonical and organizational affiliation. This is a lawful choice guaranteed by Ukrainian legislation.”
She acknowledged that local disputes occurred in some communities, but stressed that such cases are systematically exploited by Russian propaganda to create a false narrative of state repression.
Ukraine, she said, remains a democratic state where all religious disputes are resolved exclusively through the courts.
Russian church structures as a security concern
The ambassador underlined that the issue is not about faith, but about national security.
Religious structures affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, she noted, have publicly supported Russia’s war against Ukraine, meaning their activities cannot be separated from the broader security context.
Manipulation around ‘political prisoners’
Stefanishyna also addressed letters cited by Congresswoman Luna, allegedly sent by Ukrainian MPs Oleksandr Dubinskyi, Artem Dmytruk, and Oleksandr Kunytskyi, which claim that Ukraine holds tens of thousands of political prisoners.
“These figures do not withstand any scrutiny. Ukraine’s entire penitentiary system currently holds around 34,600 inmates, and there are no political prisoners,” Stefanishyna stated.
She emphasized that while Ukraine must counter individuals working in the interests of the aggressor during wartime, every accused person retains the right to legal defense and a fair trial.
What Congresswoman Luna claimed
On January 9, Congresswoman Luna announced plans to appeal to the Vatican and the U.S. State Department, citing letters from representatives of Orthodox groups and individual politicians. She argued that “American taxpayers should not fund a government that persecutes Christians.”
Controversial background of the claimants
Oleksandr Dubinskyi has been under U.S. sanctions since 2021. Congresswoman Luna herself is known for:
-
contacts with Kremlin-linked figure Kirill Dmitriev;
-
support for U.S. withdrawal from NATO;
-
voting against military and financial aid to Ukraine;
-
statements suggesting inviting Russian State Duma members to Washington for “peace talks.”
Context
Ukrainian authorities stress that narratives about “Christian persecution” are part of Russia’s information warfare, aimed at undermining international support for Ukraine.
The issue, officials say, is not religious freedom, but defending the state from structures cooperating with the aggressor.
