Trump’s “Spiritual Advisor” Criticized Russian President’s Statement on Protecting the Rights of the UOC

Donald Trump’s “spiritual advisor,” Pastor Mark Burns, stated that Russia is using the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as “a tool to justify war and bless missile strikes, manipulating millions of people.” According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded protection for the UOC during peace talks in Alaska while, in the pastor’s view, persecuting and closing Ukrainian churches in territories not under Kyiv’s control. This was reported by Glavcom.

“The Ukrainian people are not trying to silence faith. They stand against a corrupt system that uses God’s name to bless violence. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has called the war against Ukraine a holy mission and promised forgiveness to those who kill innocent people. This is not Christianity. This is a false religion used to serve an empire,” he added.

Burns also expressed support for the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and backed Ukraine’s right “to determine its own future free from external pressure and manipulation.”

“In the name of Jesus, I pray for peace. But true peace must be based on truth. The truth is that Russia has turned religion into a weapon. Ukraine is right to expose this. I stand with Ukraine. I stand with the Church. I stand for freedom,” Mark Burns concluded.

It is worth noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, mentioned the safety of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as one of the priority points in the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.