Ukraine launches international search for controversial lawmaker Artem Dmytruk
The State Bureau of Investigation previously confirmed on Aug. 26 that Dmytruk illegally crossed the border in Odesa Oblast and entered Moldova.
Russian Orthodox Church
Controversial Ukrainian lawmaker fled country illegally, authorities confirm
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) said that controversial lawmaker Artem Dmytruk illegally crossed the border in Odesa Oblast and entered Moldova.
Pope Francis criticizes push to ban activities of Russian-affiliated religious organizations in Ukraine
Pope Francis criticized on Aug. 25 Ukraine's move to potentially ban the activities of Russian-affiliated religious organizations amid Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, saying that "churches are not to be touched."
Kursk incursion, long-range missiles, Orthodox Church | Ukraine This Week
The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur explains the top stories of the week, from updates on the Kursk incursion to Washington's potential shift in long-range missiles policy. And who is that bust of in the background of our videos?
Zelensky signs law potentially banning Moscow-linked church
The legislation could effectively prohibit the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), which is legally subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Cutting ties with Moscow — What does Ukraine's church bill really mean
Editor's note: The article was expanded with comments by religious scholar Oleksandr Brodetskyi. Ukraine's parliament passed on Aug. 20 a much-debated bill banning activities of religious organizations with ties to Russia, a country whose armies are currently occupying large swathes of Ukraine's land. The legislation – falsely spun by pro-Kremlin actors
Update: At least 15 police officers, 4 civilians reportedly killed in terrorist attack in Russia's Dagestan Republic
A counterterrorism regime was instituted after militants allegedly fired on an Orthodox church and a police post in Russia's Dagestan Republic, according to local authorities.
Estonian parliament declares Russian Orthodox Church 'sponsor of Russian military aggression'
Patriarch Kirill, the head of the church, is a staunch backer of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has been accused of using his subordinates in Ukraine and other countries to spread Russian propaganda.
Russian priest suspended after presiding over Navalny's funeral
The document posted on the website of the Moscow City Diocese did not give an official reason for Dmitriy Safranov's suspension, but it is believed to be connected to Alexei Navalny's funeral.
Opinion: What should Ukraine do about its Russia-linked church?
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), presented a "revolutionary" order on March 27: “The Present and Future of the Russian World.” The order claims: “From a spiritual and moral point of view, a special military operation (Russia’s term for its war against Ukraine)
Faith under fire: Russia's war on religion in Ukraine's occupied territories
Russia's war and occupation of large swaths of Ukraine have led to hundreds of churches being damaged or destroyed, dozens of priests killed or kidnapped, and entire religious groups that don't conform to Moscow's brand of Orthodoxy being banned. With entire Ukrainian cities being leveled by Russian artillery fire, religious
Parliamentary committee backs bill on banning Russian-linked religious groups
The bill would prohibit the activities of any religious organizations affiliated with war propaganda or justifying the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Parliament passed the bill in the first reading in October 2023, and the secondary reading is to be held.
Former Kherson abbot of Moscow-linked church charged with treason, aiding Russia
A former abbot of the Dormition Cathedral in Kherson was charged with treason for supporting Russian occupation and cooperating with occupation authorities, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Feb. 19.
Head of Russian Orthodox church in Estonia confirms he is leaving country after expulsion order
Estonian authorities have accused Metropolitan Yevgeniy of public statements and actions in support of Russian aggression.
SBU finds Russian passports, propaganda at premises of Moscow-affiliated church
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on Dec. 8 that it had found Russian passports, anti-Ukrainian propaganda, and a stolen collection of icons during searches at the premises of the Russian Orthodox Church's Ukrainian branch. The searches were conducted at 13 Moscow-linked churches, monasteries, and adjoining facilities in Cherkasy,
Ukrainian authorities seek to ban Moscow-backed church amid Russian invasion
Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council has proposed banning Russian-affiliated religious groups, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on Dec. 1. The most significant of the groups is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, an affiliate of the Russian Orthodox Church. The National Security and Defense
9 months into the war, Moscow-backed churches in Ukraine get in trouble
Ukraine has two main orthodox churches, and the one run by Moscow is having a hard time. Starting from Nov. 22, Ukraine's law enforcement has raided several premises of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). The latest search occurred on Nov. 28 in western Ukraine. Ukraine's Security
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