Prime Minister discusses with UCCRO a shift toward state–Church partnership

A meeting of the UCCRO with the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Photo: DESS on Facebook

On May 29, 2026, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko held a meeting with members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO). Participants discussed changing the model of relations to "state-church partnership" and coordinated assistance to the Defense Forces. The head of government thanked religious leaders for their contribution to the country's defense and stated that now the authorities and the Church "are on the same page." This was reported by DESS on its Facebook page.

During the negotiations, which were moderated by DESS head Viktor Yelensky, the parties addressed issues of chaplaincy service and support for military families. Representatives of denominations proposed to the Prime Minister a package of legislative changes for "harmonizing" relations with the state. Svyrydenko assured those present that the government had taken all recommendations into account and plans to implement them in the near future.

Officials and religious figures paid special attention to "raising public morality." Meeting participants agreed to implement educational programs that will help educate children and youth "in the spirit of patriotism." The discussion involved OCU head Epifaniy Dumenko, representatives of the UGCC, Roman Catholics, Protestant pastors, and leaders of Muslim and Jewish communities.

As the UOJ reported, DESS discussed issues of clergy mobilization with the UCCRO. The format of such meetings is not one-time communication but a regular channel for coordinating actions between the state and religious communities.

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