The situation around the UOC is not changing in the direction that would be desirable for Zelensky - political scientist

A large-scale solidarity action in support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was held in the United States of America on 16 December, which was attended by representatives of various churches and religious organizations. The event drew the attention of American congressmen to the situation with the UOC, including the facts of persecution of its hierarchs and believers. Among the active participants of the action was Congresswoman from Florida Anna Paulina Luna, whose participation emphasizes the political weight of the event. As noted by political scientist Konstantin Bondarenko, the action was very serious: its participants directly interacted with American lawmakers, bringing them information about the current state of affairs around the UOC.

According to the political scientist, the congressmen were particularly shocked by the video showing Metropolitan Arseny in handcuffs in the courthouse, as well as information about the state of health of the rector of Sviatogorsk Lavra. The involvement of such weighty figures as Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, associated with Vice President Vance’s team and personally endorsed by Donald Trump in 2023, gave the action additional political weight.

According to Bondarenko, three key moments preceded the event. First, the statements of J.D. Vance, known for his deep religiosity, about the inadmissibility of persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and other religious organizations. Second, former President Donald Trump’s speech at the UN General Assembly, where he declared unprecedented persecution of Christians, citing the situation in Ukraine as an illustration of his words. Third, the failure of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to the United States is also seen in this context.

Political scientist Konstantin Bondarenko expresses hope that against the background of these events, the persecution of the canonical UOC in Ukraine may stop. He also mentions the possible impact on the change of the situation of the resignation of Andrei Yermak, whom Bondarenko calls the main initiator of these persecutions. It is important to note that U.S. activists and church representatives have succeeded in focusing the attention of the political establishment and the public on this issue once again. Bondarenko himself testifies to the increased interest on the part of influential Western publications that have requested interviews with him on the church sphere in Ukraine.

Thus, as Bondarenko summarizes, the situation around the Ukrainian Orthodox Church shows signs of gradual change, which is probably not in the interests of the current Ukrainian leadership and its supporters.