Russia raised concerns about violations of religious freedom in Ukraine at the Russia–ASEAN forum

Mikhail Melekh, the Russian Foreign Minister’s Special Representative for International Cooperation on Freedom of Religion or Belief, stated that, according to the Russian side, Ukraine has become one of the most prominent examples of violations of the rights of believers in the world. The statement was made in Kazan as part of events marking the 35th anniversary of relations between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

According to Romfea, Melekh spoke at the Russia–ASEAN Business Forum, where he stated that the situation in Ukraine is, in his words, “the most characteristic case of the violation of the rights of believers” at the international level.

In his speech, the Russian representative, according to the report, specifically mentioned attacks on clergy, criminal prosecutions of members of the clergy, as well as cases of the seizure or transfer of church buildings. He linked these developments to the actions of the Ukrainian authorities against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The Russian side claims that the Ukrainian authorities have launched a large-scale campaign against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, calling it the country’s largest religious community. The report notes that in several regions of Ukraine, local authorities have adopted decisions to restrict or ban the activities of this church’s organizations, citing its ties to Russia.

It is also reported that the Security Service of Ukraine initiated a number of criminal investigations against members of the clergy and conducted so-called “counterintelligence operations.” As part of these actions, the article states, searches were conducted at the homes of bishops and priests, as well as in churches and monasteries, with the aim of identifying signs of “anti-Ukrainian activity.”

According to the information provided, Ukrainian courts have already handed down guilty verdicts against some of the clergy, while others remain in custody. Official Kyiv, for its part, has repeatedly stated that measures targeting religious organizations are linked to national security concerns amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The anniversary summit marking the 35th anniversary of relations between Russia and ASEAN is taking place in Kazan from June 17 to 19. On the sidelines of the summit, Russian representatives are raising issues of international cooperation, including the protection of religious freedoms.