MP tells why he voted against the ban of the UOC

MP Yevhen Shevchenko. Photo: screenshot of N. Mosiychuk’s YouTube channel
Member of Parliament Yevhen Shevchenko announced on his Telegram channel that he spoke from the parliamentary podium and voted against the prohibition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). He explained that he doesn't see isolated criminal cases as a valid argument for the prohibition of the entire Church.
Shevchenko pointed out that there were traitors not only within the UOC but also within other institutions, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the police, and even in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He suggested that by this logic, all these institutions would have to be banned.
The MP emphasized that he has no intention of changing his faith or the Church in which he was baptized. He listed his personal convictions as follows:
“My personal beliefs are:
I dont' cheat on my wife.
I don't betray my country.
I do not betray the faith and the Church in which I was baptized.
I don't cheat on my friends. That's it!” Shevchenko wrote.
Earlier the UOJ reported that philosopher Andriy Baumeister expressed his opinion that the prohibition of the UOC is not just an error but a failure of Ukraine's domestic policy.
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.