Ukraine: DESS authorizes list of religious organizations in Ukraine affiliated with Russian Orthodox Church

The State Service of Ukraine on Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has approved a list of religious organizations in Ukraine affiliated with a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited in the country. According to the DESS, the following religious organizations are included in the list: the Kyiv Metropolia of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Korets Holy Trinity Convent of the Moscow Patriarchate. “These religious organizations are recognized as affiliated with a foreign religious structure whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine, which entails legal consequences as defined by law,” the agency stated.

On May 9, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the procedure for investigating signs of affiliation of a religious organization with a foreign religious structure whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine. This includes considering whether a religious organization is being used to promote the “Russian world” ideology. (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 17. November 2025)