Three and a half years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian branch of the Russian Orthodox Church is facing potential legal consequences. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which has long been a symbol of Russia’s influence in the country, is set to face a critical decision under a 2024 law that requires it to either sever its ties with Moscow or face potential banning. This law, passed by the Ukrainian government, aims to sever the ties between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian state, a move that has been supported by many within Ukraine’s political and religious communities.
Despite the law’s enactment, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has remained reluctant to officially cut its ties with Moscow. This reluctance has drawn criticism from both within Ukraine and from international observers, who view the church’s continued allegiance to the Russian Patriarchate as a hindrance to Ukraine’s efforts to fully break away from Russian influence. The issue of religious affiliation has become a sensitive topic in the context of the war, with many Ukrainians seeing the church’s alignment with Russia as an obstacle to national unity and sovereignty.
As the Ukrainian government moves to enforce the law, the potential ban on the church’s activities has sparked debates about the role of religious institutions in national politics. Some argue that the law is necessary to protect Ukraine’s religious identity and independence, while others contend that it risks alienating religious communities and could lead to further tensions. The situation highlights the complex interplay between religion, politics, and national identity in the wake of the Russian invasion.