MP hints at possible “intervention by relevant structures” in UOC eviction case in Volodymyr

The Supreme Court of Ukraine has rejected the cassation appeal filed by the religious community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church concerning the right to use the Dormition Cathedral in the city of Volodymyr. This was reported on July 8 by Member of Parliament Ihor Huz, commenting on the conclusion of the legal process. His statement was published by Insider Media.

According to the MP, the court upheld the previous rulings of the commercial and appellate courts, which affirmed that the cathedral is state property. Consequently, the UOC community is required to vacate the church.

Huz stated that there are now two possible outcomes: “They pack up and leave on their own. Or they will start inventing excuses, blocking, delaying. In that case, the community and relevant structures may help them,” he said, suggesting possible intervention by local activists or authorities if the UOC refuses to leave voluntarily.

In his statement, Huz also referred to the Dormition Cathedral as “only the beginning” of a broader process aimed, in his words, at “reviving a true, strong Ukrainian Church after 30 years of colonial haze.”

It should be noted that the situation surrounding the eviction of the Volodymyr-Volyn UOC diocese from the state-owned Dormition Cathedral complex is unfolding in a manner unfavorable to the Church. According to local media, the regional authorities annulled the residence registration of individuals living on the premises, thus clearing the way for forced removal of the UOC diocese from the property.