Political Analyst: Persecution of the UOC in Ukraine Violates the Constitution and May Trigger US Sanctions

Political analyst Andriy Zolotariov believes that the actions of the Ukrainian authorities against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which effectively outlaw the Church, are in violation of the Ukrainian Constitution. According to him, these actions may lead to serious international consequences, including sanctions from the United States.

“It may turn out that the amateur initiatives of Mr. Yelensky and his allies, who lobbied for the law that places the UOC outside the law, also constitute a constitutional violation,” Zolotariov emphasized.

He reminded that since gaining independence, Ukraine has adopted a secular model of government, similar to the French one, which implies non-interference of the state in church affairs. However, recent government actions are aimed at creating a de facto state church — a clear breach of constitutional principles.

The expert warned that Ukraine risks being included in the list of countries violating religious freedom, which could deprive it of military and financial support from the United States.

Zolotariov also noted that information about the persecution of the UOC has already reached Western political circles, and the issue will likely be raised at international negotiations.

It should also be noted that Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky has commented on the start of the procedure to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is being carried out under the provisions of the anti-church law No. 3894. According to the MP, the destruction of the UOC is an order from globalist forces aimed at changing Ukraine’s identity as an Orthodox country.