The Facts
Tensions ran high at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex — also known as the Monastery of the Caves — after representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) refused to leave the premises despite an eviction order set to go into force on Wednesday.
The UOC-MP condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and cut ties with the Russian Orthodox Church last May. However, it was later accused of covertly maintaining ties to Moscow, and dozens of its sites were raided by the Security Service of Ukraine which allegedly discovered propaganda material supporting Russia's invasion. In December, Ukraine's government — which owns the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — said it would not renew the UOC-MP's lease of the site, set to expire on March 30.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Despite claiming to have severed links with the Moscow Orthodox Church, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate never officially cut ties with the organization, and Ukraine's Security Service subsequently found that it was covertly aiding Russia's illegal war aims. The majority of Ukrainians support outlawing the UOC-MP.
Pro-Russia narrative
While Ukraine's American allies host the "Summit for Democracy," Kyiv is carrying out a gross attack on religious rights and freedoms. If the US truly wanted to uphold liberties and democratic rights across the globe, it would not be silent on this grotesque violation. Ukraine is discriminating against religious believers.
