Belarusian expert: Ukrainian authorities have cornered themselves with UOC

Belarusian theologian Natalya Vasilevich. Photo: belarus2020.churchby.info

Belarusian religion expert Natalya Vasilevich wrote on her Telegram channel that the Ukrainian authorities have cornered themselves when, instead of engaging in dialogue with the UOC, they chose the path of repression against it.

"When discussing the war in Ukraine, the issue of violations of religious freedom always arises in one way or another. This is facilitated by widely circulated videos depicting the seizure of temples for their forcible transfer to the OCU, as well as the UOC's international campaign for self-defence," she noted.

According to the expert, the "campaign against the UOC has taken too great a scale," and Ukrainian authorities and representatives of the OCU are constantly having to justify themselves with arguments such as "the UOC is to blame themselves", "this is all Russian propaganda", "we are just ensuring our national security during the war", and "it's much worse in the territories occupied by Russia".

"They have cornered themselves by supporting and encouraging this campaign, and now they cannot turn back the spring and replay everything. Therefore, they have to push themselves even further into the deadlock," Vasilevich wrote.

"Instead of ensuring order during the transition of churches from one jurisdiction to another, relieving social tension regarding the UOC, easing the tension within the UOC due to increased pressure, repression and discrimination, and trying to engage in dialogue and find common solutions to complex situations, Ukrainian authorities are supporting confrontation with the UOC," the theologian wrote.

Furthermore, Vasilevich called for the formation of a group of international and Ukrainian experts to develop ways out of the "deadlock of state policy in the field of religious freedom".

"In my estimation, the situation for Ukraine has significantly worsened compared to even October-November 2023, with the pressure remaining at approximately the same level, and the problematic law keeps getting postponed," she added.

As reported, the UN is concerned about the persecution and intimidation of UOC believers.

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