In New York, Robert Amsterdam Spoke to Young Republicans About the Persecution of the UOC in Ukraine

An event was held at the New York Young Republican Club featuring international lawyer Robert Amsterdam, who represents the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The meeting, organized with the support of the club’s leadership, focused on the current state of religious freedom in Ukraine. Participants heard firsthand accounts of systematic pressure on the UOC by the Ukrainian government. The report was published by the «First Cossack» channel with reference to the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ) in the USA.

Stefano Forte, head of the New York Young Republicans and an Orthodox Christian, emphasized the importance of Christian solidarity in his address:

“Right now, they are going after the Ukrainian Orthodox Church — but your Church will be next, and Christians must stand together.”

In his speech, Robert Amsterdam said that real religious purges are taking place in Ukraine, supported by President Zelensky’s government. He noted that underground (catacomb) churches are emerging across the country and that this repressive policy is being funded, in part, by American taxpayers.

“I don’t want the flow of aid to stop, but if Ukraine is going to fight for freedom, religious freedom must be the first priority,” the human rights lawyer stressed.

Amsterdam also drew attention to President Zelensky’s declining popularity and specifically pointed to the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the ongoing persecution:

“If Patriarch Bartholomew were to call Zelensky tonight, the persecution would end tomorrow,” the lawyer stated.

It should also be noted that Robert Amsterdam previously published an article sharply criticizing the British government for ignoring the facts of religious persecution in Ukraine. He accused London of a “shameful silence” in the face of widespread violations of the rights of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, including church seizures, politically motivated arrests of clergy, and legislative initiatives such as Draft Law No. 3894 aimed at banning the Church.