Ukraine Bans Russian Orthodox Church Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine's parliament has passed a law banning religious groups tied to the Russian Orthodox Church. This move targets the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which despite claiming independence from Moscow, is considered by the government to have strong ties with Russia. The bill requires President Zelenskyy's signature, which is expected.

Ukraine's parliament has officially banned the activities of religious groups associated with the Russian Orthodox Church or any faith group supporting Russia's invasion. This measure is widely seen as targeting a Ukrainian religious body that claims independence from Moscow.

The Verkhovna Rada approved the bill with 265 affirmative votes and 29 opposed. The legislation now awaits President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's signature, which is anticipated. Zelenskyy emphasized, "It is our common duty to guarantee Ukrainian spiritual independence."

The bill empowers the government to ban religious groups deemed too connected to Russia, and prohibits any organization promoting the "Russian world" ideology. This move follows allegations against clerics of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for war-related crimes and accusations of the church remaining canonically tied to Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies.)