Zelensky Comments on Revocation of Citizenship of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy

In his evening address, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky effectively acknowledged that the state’s actions against His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine are part of a targeted policy towards individuals whom the authorities consider «linked to Russia.» A video fragment featuring Zelensky’s statement was published by the “Pershyi Kozatskyi” channel.

«We continue our entirely justified work regarding various individuals who have aligned themselves with Russia,» Zelensky stated. «Figures with political influence and Russian passports, individuals who work against Ukraine’s independence in all its dimensions, including spiritual independence. Everyone who supports or justifies aggression — there is and will be no place in Ukraine for such individuals.»

The President also noted that the state is making appropriate decisions and preparing new sanctions, including decisions of the National Security and Defense Council.

It should be recalled that the Head of the Synodal Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Kliment, confirmed that His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine holds only Ukrainian citizenship. He stated this in a comment to BBC Ukraine.