US ambassador to NATO: Russia-Ukraine agreement must include UOC protection
Matt Whitaker. Photo: Fox News "The Big Weekend Show"
On September 9, 2025, the US ambassador to NATO, Matt Whitaker, stated that any potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine should include guarantees for the protection of the UOC (which he referred to as the "Russian Church") and the rights of Russian-speaking citizens.
Speaking on Fox News' "The Big Weekend Show", Whitaker emphasized the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine as a key condition for achieving peace. He noted that any agreement must consider the interests of all parties involved.
"Whatever this agreement may be – whether it's the protection of Russian churches in Ukraine or Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine – I think there is now a foundation for this," the American diplomat stated.
The ambassador also noted the active role of President Donald Trump in promoting the negotiation process. According to Whitaker, "President Trump continues to urge both sides to negotiate and is trying to work out an agreement and reach a peace treaty because we must stop the killing."
The statement came amid ongoing discussions about possible ways to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Whitaker emphasized that "there has been enough discussion" and there is a "foundation" for reaching an agreement.
Recall, DESS filed a lawsuit against the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC, demanding its deregistration.
Read also
UOC hierarch leads funeral service for Kyiv Eparchy priest killed at front
Metropolitan Augustine conducted the funeral service for Archpriest Viacheslav Lytvynenko, a longtime military chaplain.
Orthodox youth from across Ukraine meet in Kyiv
The UOC meetup brought participants from different eparchies to the capital for live fellowship and dialogue on spiritual topics.
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy choir performs hymn by Patriarch Ilia
The choir of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy performed a sacred work by Patriarch Ilia on the day commemorating his repose.
Metropolitan Shio: Patriarch Ilia II’s love became a source of faith and hope
In Georgia, Metropolitan Shio said in his sermon on the 40th day after Patriarch Ilia II’s repose that his love and ministry became a source of faith, hope, and spiritual renewal for the people.
Orthodox Christians in U.S.: “War on Faith” bill ignores persecution of UOC
The St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco Society has accused Congressmen Joe Wilson and Don Bacon of “double standards” in drafting a religious freedom bill concerning Ukraine.
UOC Social Department in Kyiv delivers aid to 100 displaced families
In Kyiv, displaced families received humanitarian aid, food and household packages, as well as Paschal greetings from the UOC Social Department.