Political analyst: New wave of pressure on UOC will spark backlash in U.S.
Political analyst Kost Bondarenko. Photo: cdnn1.ukraina
Political analyst Kostiantyn Bondarenko, citing his sources, told the outlet Strana that part of the U.S. Republican establishment, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, continues to criticize Ukraine's policy of infringing on the rights of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). He predicts that any new attempt to intensify pressure on the Church will provoke a “sharp reaction in Washington.”
In his view, some members of Ukraine’s leadership will not be able to ignore the enactment of yet another segment of anti-church legislation – namely, the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval of regulatory acts that mark another step toward banning the UOC.
“There will be a lot of talk about the need for a ban, and possibly even some actions taken in that direction. But overall, such activity will be limited in scope,” Bondarenko believes.
He also anticipates that the U.S. position will be negative and will be conveyed both formally and informally. “As a result, the Ukrainian authorities will restrain both their own and others’ impulses to finally 'resolve the UOC issue',” the analyst concluded.
As previously reported by the UOJ, MP Mykyta Poturaev recently stated that those opposing the law to ban the UOC are “threatening national security.”
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.