Ukrainian delegation in the U.S. to discuss the UOC and freedom of religion
Yuliia Svyrydenko. Photo: Ministry of Economy
On June 3, 2025, a delegation of Ukrainian officials led by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak arrived in Washington for an official visit. The news was shared by Yermak on his Telegram channel.
According to Yermak, the delegation’s agenda covers a broad range of issues – from defense support and sanctions policy to humanitarian topics. Particular attention will be given to matters concerning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and religious freedom amid the ideological confrontation with Russia.
"We will also discuss Russian propaganda related to church issues. There will be many meetings with representatives from both parties who support Ukraine," said the Head of the Presidential Office.
In addition, the delegation plans to discuss the creation of an Investment Fund for Ukraine’s recovery and the repatriation of Ukrainian children deported by Russia.
The topic of religious freedom and the impermissibility of discrimination against believers on the basis of religion has already been raised in Washington. Human rights advocates and representatives of religious organizations in the U.S. have repeatedly voiced concern over the situation surrounding the UOC.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Young Republicans of the United States had published an investigation into the persecution of the UOC.
Read also
OCU explains why beggars are driven away from St. Michael’s Cathedral
A cleric of Dumenko’s structure admitted that beggars are not tolerated at the OCU’s main monastery because of their “high incomes” and the desire not to damage the site’s image before foreign tourists.
UOC Chancellor: Venerable Anthony founded a monastery, not a reserve
Metropolitan Anthony said that the attempt to turn the Lavra into a state preserve is, in essence, an attempt to lock living Orthodoxy behind a door.
Dumenko discusses countering hostile influence in spiritual life with PO head
The heads of the OCU and the Presidential Office touched on state-church relations and “spiritual security” in wartime.
Albanian Primate speaks about ways to resolve OCU problem
Archbishop John is convinced: disagreements between Moscow and Constantinople can only be overcome through love and dialogue, but not through choosing "sides".
National Memory Institute and SBU open exhibition on UGCC liquidation
An exhibition on the repression of the Uniates has opened in the capital, while state officials search for historical parallels with the present day.
OCU "priest" “allows” parishioners to use priest’s cassock for sex games
Ruslan Usmedinsky said that using a priest’s cassock as a prop for role-playing games can strengthen relationships between couples.