Russian media outlets are falsely reporting that Ukraine has banned Orthodoxy, according to the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security SPRAVDI. This misinformation campaign suggests that Ukraine is targeting the Orthodox Church as part of broader anti-religious measures. However, the actual restrictions are aimed specifically at organizations affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), not Orthodoxy in general.
The Ukrainian government has implemented these restrictions due to national security concerns. The ROC is perceived as an instrument of Russian aggression, which has led to the imposition of these measures. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is currently investigating the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) for alleged support of Russian aggression and possession of anti-Ukrainian materials.
Russian propaganda has inaccurately portrayed these national security measures as a ban on Orthodoxy. The false claims include accusations that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) is involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and promoting sodomy. These accusations are part of a broader effort by Russian media to discredit Ukraine and its government.
The reality is that the restrictions are limited to specific organizations with ties to the Russian Orthodox Church, reflecting concerns over their role in supporting Russian aggression. The Ukrainian government’s actions are framed by its need to address national security threats rather than a broad-based attack on religious freedom.
The SBU’s investigation into the clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) underscores the seriousness of these concerns. The investigation aims to uncover any evidence of support for Russian aggression and to address any anti-Ukrainian sentiments within the church.