DESS: The UOC threatens Ukraine's national security

Viktor Voynalovych. Photo: DESS

Viktor Voynalovych, an official of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience , spoke about the destructive role of religious organizations in Ukraine that are controlled by Russia – apparently referring to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), according to the DESS website.

"Unfortunately, the Russian Orthodox Church has become part of the ideological apparatus of Russian aggression. We are forced to regard its activities in Ukraine as an element of hybrid warfare that threatens national security," said Voynalovych.

He also emphasized the importance of the recently adopted law "On Protecting the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Religious Organizations' Activities," which, according to him, is not directed against religion but serves the interests of the state.

“This law does not discriminate against religion; it is merely aimed at protecting our sovereignty. Religion in Ukraine will always remain a source of unity, not a tool of division,” he stated.

As previously reported by the UOJ, DESS explained when the law banning the UOC would come into effect.

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