Ukraine Bans Russia-Linked Church Amid Invasion Tensions

Ukraine's parliament has approved a bill to ban the Russian Orthodox Church and its affiliated religious organizations on Ukrainian territory. The move, which will be enforced by a court decision, aims to curb Russian influence amidst ongoing tensions and the full-scale invasion by the Kremlin.

Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday approved a bill aimed at banning the Russian Orthodox Church and its affiliated religious organizations from operating within Ukrainian territory. Lawmakers stated that the prohibition would be enforced through a court decision.

The legislation specifically targets the Russian Orthodox Church, historically linked to Russia, viewing it as a platform for Russian influence in Ukraine.

Kyiv alleges that the minority Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has been complicit in Russia's full-scale invasion, intensifying the current geopolitical tensions between the two nations.