Local activist in Lutsk demands city council response over UOC church construction

Accusations against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church have resurfaced in the Lutsk city council regarding the construction of a new church on Yaremchuk Nazariy Street. Mykhailo Nakhod, a representative of the public movement “SVIDOMI,” called on the mayor to respond to what he claims is “illegal construction” and even threatened with lawsuits. This was reported by the Volyn online publication “Konkurent.”

According to Nakhod, “due to the inaction of the city authorities,” a residential building was converted into a new UOC church. He emphasized that the land parcel on the cadastral map, where the building was erected, is designated for individual residential construction, while religious buildings require a different land use designation.

The activist urged the mayor to order an inspection of the construction and promptly file a lawsuit to demolish the religious building and eliminate violations of the law.

“Otherwise, you will personally be held responsible for covering up the illegal activities of the Moscow church!” he concluded.

Earlier reports also noted that Denis Prokopenko, commander of the 1st Operational Corps of the National Guard “Azov,” called for the exchange of Ukrainian prisoners of war for clergy members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, whom he called “Moscow priests.” He made this proposal while commenting on the recent prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia.