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
Pilgrim group from Kyiv Theological Seminary visits Mount Athos
KTS students are making a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Romania, Greece, Mount Athos and Italy.
UOC cathedral celebrates its patronal feast in Ternopil
The service in the cathedral of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia was led by Metropolitan Serhii of Ternopil, concelebrated by four hierarchs.
MinCulture marks centenary of Soviet-era reserve at Lavra's Refectory Church
Representatives of the Ministry of Culture presented awards to the Reserve's employees on the occasion of the anniversary at the Refectory Church of the Lavra.
Conference to mark 1700th anniversary of Christianity adoption held in Georgia
In Georgia, representatives of the Church and the state noted the defining role of Christianity in the country's cultural development.
MP urges to ease pressure on UOC for sake of peace
Oleksii Honcharenko proposed compromises on language, historical memory, and Church issues as part of efforts to achieve peace, saying those who wish to attend the “Russian Church” should be allowed to do so.
Court takes 17th-century church in Staryi Pochaiv from UOC community
A commercial court overturned a 2018 registrar’s decision and stripped the UOC’s Ternopil Eparchy of ownership of the 17th-century church.