“No money, no weapons, no membership in the EU": political analyst told about the possible consequences of the ban of the UOC

Political analyst and head of the Center for the Development of Local Self-Government and Local Initiatives “Third Sector” Andriy Zolotaryov commented on the possible consequences that await Ukraine if the bill No 8371 aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is passed. Zolotaryov believes that if the law is passed, the state will face serious difficulties due to the non-acceptance of its provisions by its Western partners. She wrote about this in an article published on the Ukrainian News website.

“If the bill becomes Law, and the Ukrainian authorities will not find understanding on it with Western partners, what can we get? Funding and arms supplies from the US may become under a big question mark. Of course, the church issue is not the only factor, but to become the spoon of tar that will harm everything is quite possible. Just like the possible realization of the Republicans’ threats to impose sanctions,” — writes Zolotaryov.

In addition, the political scientist is sure that the adoption of the bill № 8371 will not meet with understanding in the European Union. In his opinion, European partners will not be able to overlook such a blatant violation of human rights.

“Money and weapons from the Europeans may also run out. There are quite a few political forces in Europe that are gaining weight and are against supporting Ukraine, and such a Law will be to their benefit. The success of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, which have just begun, is also under threat. European politicians will not be able to explain to the public how to accept a country where human rights are violated. It is worth noting that Ukraine has withdrawn from the derogation (derogation from the guarantee of rights) to the Council of Europe the block in which it refused during the war to guarantee freedom of religion. But this is a half-measure, which will be leveled if the Law is adopted. Well, and of course joining NATO, where human rights are just as important,” — added the political scientist.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that the State Department of the United States of America published a report on Religious Freedom in Ukraine for 2023. The document lists specific facts of pressure of the Ukrainian government on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In particular, it mentions the discriminatory decrees of the Ukrainian president against the UOC, as well as the seizure of churches and the possible adoption of draft law No. 8371 aimed at banning the UOC.