OP Deputy Head: Pro-UOC US politicians are part of RF information campaign

Olena Kovalska. Photo: Ukrinform

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Olena Kovalska, stated in an interview with Ukrinform that American attorney Robert Amsterdam and certain U.S. politicians who criticized Ukrainian authorities for their actions against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) are aiding the Russian Federation.

When asked by a journalist to comment on accusations by Bob Amsterdam and some American politicians about the persecution of Christians in Ukraine, Kovalska said she views their statements as part of a Russian information campaign. According to her, Russia is generously funding this campaign.

"They identify sensitive topics and begin to ‘agitate’ them. This includes religion. They take a specific case and turn it into an information campaign. Then, it becomes a narrative that has nothing to do with the actual facts," said the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office.

She did not specify which American politicians she considers part of the Russian information campaign or whose statements she believes are false. However, it can be assumed that Kovalska was referring to Republicans J.D. Vance, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tulsi Gabbard.

In April 2024, J.D. Vance called the persecution of Christian communities in Ukraine a disgrace for the United States. Vivek Ramaswamy and Tulsi Gabbard noted that Zelensky had banned the UOC in the country.

All these politicians are set to take leading positions in the U.S. following Donald Trump's inauguration. J.D. Vance will become Vice President, Tulsi Gabbard will assume the post of Director of National Intelligence, and Vivek Ramaswamy, alongside Elon Musk, will head the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency.

It is worth noting that the Presidential Office has expressed regret that not all Ukrainians are proud of the level of religious freedom in the country.

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