Ukraine: Yelenskyi: The World Council of Churches should expel the Russian Orthodox Church from membership

Viktor Yelenskyi, Head of the State Service of Ukraine on Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), advocates for the expulsion of the Russian Orthodox Church from the World Council of Churches. He argues that the Church's activities directly contradict the fundamental principles of Christianity. This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

"The Moscow Patriarchate is both an enemy of religious freedom and a foe of Ukraine. Its aim is to suppress the dignified expression of religious sentiments while undermining Ukrainian statehood, culture, and identity. Therefore, the call for sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, who represents the imperialist and chauvinistic doctrine of the 'Russian World' and consistently promotes harmful ideologies, is entirely justified," states the report following Yelenskyi's participation in a scientific seminar focused on countering the use of church structures in hybrid warfare.

The State Service of Ukraine on Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience noted that Viktor Orbán's administration blocked the inclusion of this figure on the European Union's sanctions list.

"However, sanctions against Patriarch Kirill would not be sufficient on their own. Sanctions should also target those bishops and clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church who are directly involved in glorifying the war, supporting the armed forces of the Russian Federation, and engaging in subversive activities in Western European countries. Ultimately, the World Council of Churches should consider expelling the Russian Orthodox Church from its membership, as its actions fundamentally contradict the core principles of Christianity," the Service stated.

At the same time, the head of the DESS ruled out the possibility of severely restricting the religious activities of the clergy and faithful of the UOC-MP, emphasizing that religious freedom is a fundamental value for both the Ukrainian state and society. (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 1. Juni 2026)