Statements by AFU soldiers against the ban on the UOC reminded online

Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier. Photo: Screenshot from headlines video

Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) soldiers are urging deputies not to vote for Bill No. 8371, which effectively bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). In a video message published by the Headlines Telegram channel, the soldiers ask lawmakers to carefully consider all potential consequences of passing this law to "avoid taking rash steps that could harm the unity and security of the country."

"We, the soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who risk our lives daily for the freedom and independence of our homeland, appeal to you not to vote for Bill No. 8371, which effectively bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church," the video states.

They note that at the front, all soldiers fight for the country regardless of their religious beliefs.

"Indeed, I cannot calmly watch my state being divided by religion. Here, there are guys who belong to Islam, Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. No one divides anyone at the front. We all defend our state of Ukraine together," emphasizes an AFU soldier.

Previously, some of the appeals from Ukrainian servicemen were published on the Myriany Telegram channel.

As the UOJ reported, political expert Valentyn Haidai stated that banning the UOC would put an end to Ukraine's EU membership prospects.

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