U.S. congresswoman demands explanations from Ukraine’s ambassador over Kuzmyn

Anna Paulina Luna. Photo: miamiherald.com

U.S. Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna said she expects explanations from Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, in connection with an attempted seizure of the Nativity of Christ Church in the village of Kuzmyn in western Ukraine.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Luna emphasized that, despite her previous warnings, the process of seizing the church is continuing. She said a key role in what is happening is being played by a local businessman, Anatolii Mykhailiuk, whom she called an oligarch who is pressuring residents in order to carry out an unlawful takeover of an Orthodox church.

“Despite my warnings, the seizure of the Nativity church in Kuzmyn is still being pushed by Anatolii Mykhailiuk, a local oligarch coercing residents to force an illegal seizure of the parish. I expect Olha Stefanishyna to explain herself to fellow members in my office this week,” the congresswoman wrote.

Earlier, Anna Paulina Luna received a video appeal from Orthodox Christians in the village of Kuzmyn, who asked her for protection in connection with pressure on their religious community. In response, she said she had taken control of the situation regarding a possible takeover attempt in Kuzmyn.

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