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Global ResearchAug 24
Ukrainian MPs Vote to Ban Moscow-Linked Churches
Above: The Nativity of Our Lady Church, part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, pictured in 2019. Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Ukraine's parliament, by a margin of 265 votes to 29, passed a law banning religious groups affiliated to the Russian Orthodox Church on Tuesday — a move seen as targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) that was historically linked to Moscow.
Within a month of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UOC voted to separate itself from the Moscow Patriarchate. However, Ukrainian leaders have since accused it of aiding and abetting Russia's war effort by spreading propaganda and housing Russian spies.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Despite claims that is has split from Moscow, the UOC clergy have blessed Russian tanks and told Ukrainian parishioners to welcome Russia's invasion of the country. This is a historic move that will deprive the Kremlin of one of its most important spy networks.
Establishment-critical narrative
Immediately after the Russian invasion, the UOC moved to separate itself from the Moscow Patriarchate. This is a cynical move that tramples on religious freedoms, and one that needs to be reversed if Ukraine still wants to be considered a bastion of liberty against Russian aggression.