MP: Authorities may discuss the church issue in negotiations with Russia

Photo: Andriy Osadchuk. Source: Priamyi

Andriy Osadchuk, a Member of the Ukrainian Parliament from the Holos party, stated that the reluctance to vote for bill No. 8371, which aims to ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, might be due to the possibility that the fate of the UOC will be discussed in negotiations with Russia. He made this statement during an interview on the Priamyi TV channel.

The MP criticized Zelensky for the "mistake of autumn 2022 when he banned himself from negotiating with Putin."

"It is now obvious that we need to return to the format of asymmetric dialogues (with Russia – Ed.). It is clear that various blocks will be on the table of future dialogues. Apparently, there will be a humanitarian component, and I have no doubt that Moscow will put forward the issue of the Russian church in Ukraine among its ultimatum terms: providing it with security guarantees, property rights, and so on," said Osadchuk.

As reported by UOJ, MP from the Servant of the People party, Mykyta Poturaev, stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky's position on law 8371 remains unchanged – it needs to be adopted as soon as possible.

Read also

In Cherkasy, UOC believers celebrate feast day of seized cathedral

Metropolitan Theodosiy led the Divine Liturgy at the Three Saints Cathedral in Cherkasy.

OCU cleric demanding 150,000 UAH from Metropolitan Theodosiy

The victim in the case against Metropolitan Theodosiy is demanding compensation for moral damage.

Experts: Law on same-sex marriage may deprive Ukraine of U.S. aid

Zelensky's statement sparked a heated debate on social media and among experts.

UN opens 12 centres for victims of sexual abuse in Ukraine

The UN Fund in Ukraine is providing assistance to individuals affected by the war and sexual violence related to the conflict.

Zelensky revokes Patriarch Kirill's Order

The president signed a decree revoking state honors from 34 citizens of Ukraine and Russia, including Patriarch Kirill.

Archon: ROC will have its own Ecumenical Patriarchate if Phanar is expelled

According to Rocky Sisson, given such a threat, OSCE members "must secure the presence and rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople."