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.

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