The President of Russia called on the Pope to speak out in defense of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On June 4, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Pope Leo XIV. Among other things, the Kremlin leader called on the Pontiff to speak out in defense of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and ensure freedom of religion in Ukraine. This was reported by the Kremlin’s official Telegram channel.

“In connection with the well-known policy of the Kyiv authorities to eliminate the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, it is hoped that the Holy See will be more active in supporting freedom of religion in Ukraine,” — the message says.

On June 4, 2025, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded to questions about violations of the rights of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. According to her, Russia has been drawing the international community’s attention to the oppression of canonical Orthodoxy in Ukraine for many years.