The DESS is demanding that the Zaporizhzhia Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church sever ties with the Kyiv Metropolis

The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has officially demanded that the Zaporizhzhia Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) initiate the process of withdrawing from the structure of the Kyiv Metropolis. These measures follow an investigation conducted by the agency, during which “signs” of the diocese’s affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) were “identified.”

According to , a directive signed by the agency’s head, Viktor Yelensky, requires the diocesan assembly to adopt and document a decision to sever ties with the Kyiv Metropolis. In addition, the head of the religious organization is required to publicly express his disagreement with membership in the statutory bodies of the ROC and to formally terminate the relevant powers.

It is specified that the inspection was conducted between August 12 and 21, 2026. The document states that the diocese has 30 days from the date of receipt of the notification to rectify all identified violations. Upon expiration of this period, the diocese’s leadership is required to submit a report to the DESS on compliance with the requirements, accompanied by supporting evidence. This investigation is part of a large-scale campaign by the DESS to examine various structures of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for ties to foreign religious organizations whose activities are restricted in Ukraine.