The head of the DESS discussed with members of the AUCCRO the law on banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On July 16, 2025, Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), held a regular meeting with members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO). Among the issues discussed during the event was a detailed review of Law No. 3894, aimed at banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This was reported by the DESS website.

It is reported that Viktor Yelensky informed the members of the Council about the status of the implementation of the government’s resolution on the registration of clergy, as well as the preparation of a regulatory act that will allow clergy to stay outside Ukraine for pastoral care of Ukrainian refugees. In addition, the head of the DESS discussed in detail the implementation of the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Religious Organizations” and answered questions from those present.

As previously reported, Viktor Yelensky held a meeting with US Special Envoy for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg. During the meeting, the officials discussed the religious situation and state-church relations in Ukraine.