Kyiv Court of Appeal rejects UOC cathedral community's complaint in Volodymyr

A session of the Northern Commercial Court of Appeal in Kyiv. Photo: bug.org.ua

On August 7, 2025, the Northern Appellate Commercial Court in Kyiv reviewed the appeal of the religious community of the UOC of the Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr against the decision of the first-instance court prohibiting the state, represented by the Volyn Regional Military Administration, from taking any actions with their shrine. This was reported by the local publication "Bug".

The UOC's lawyer emphasized that the religious community has property rights to the cathedral because they own and use it, and therefore have the right to seek judicial protection. He argued, citing judicial practice, that state registration does not equate to acquiring ownership rights.

The representative of the Volyn Regional State Administration stated that no actions regarding the cathedral that could harm the community are being taken. However, according to him, since the cathedral is a national heritage site and is located on the territory of the state Reserve "Ancient Volodymyr", any actions, even legal ones, must be coordinated with the Ministry of Culture.

As a result, the panel of judges dismissed the appeal. The ruling of the Commercial Court of Kyiv city to deny the claim's security was left unchanged. Thus, the state is not prohibited from carrying out registration actions.

The decision can be appealed in the Cassation Commercial Court.

As reported by the UOJ, MP Huz threatens to forcibly take the cathedral in Volodymyr from the UOC believers.

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