What's happened
On August 20, 2024, Ukraine's parliament passed a bill banning religious organizations linked to Russia, primarily targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). This move is seen as a response to accusations of the UOC's complicity in Russia's invasion. President Zelenskyy is expected to sign the bill into law.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the Ukrainian parliament's vote was hailed as a historic step towards national security, with lawmakers emphasizing the need to cleanse the country of foreign influence. The New York Times highlighted the ongoing schism between the UOC and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, noting that the UOC's claims of independence are viewed with skepticism by the government. The Independent pointed out that the legislation could take months to fully implement, as individual parishes will have time to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. Meanwhile, The Moscow Times reported on the Russian Orthodox Church's condemnation of the bill, framing it as a violation of human rights. Politico noted that the UOC has been accused of aiding Russian operations, further complicating its position in Ukraine's religious landscape.
How we got here
The UOC has faced scrutiny since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with accusations of maintaining ties to the Moscow Patriarchate. The Ukrainian government has sought to sever these connections, reflecting a broader national security concern amid ongoing conflict.
Common question
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What is Ukraine's new bill to ban the Russian-aligned church?
On August 20, 2024, Ukraine's Parliament passed a significant bill aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is perceived as aligned with Russia. This legislation raises important questions about national security, religious freedom, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Below, we explore the implications of this bill and other related developments in the region.
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What are the latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
The Ukraine-Russia conflict continues to evolve with significant developments impacting both nations and the international community. From military advances to geopolitical controversies, understanding the latest news is crucial for grasping the broader implications of this ongoing crisis. Below are some frequently asked questions that shed light on the current situation.
More on these topics
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. The megacity stands on the Moskva River in the central portion of Western Russia, with a population estimated at 12.6 million residents within the city limits, while over 17 million residents in the urban
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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The Orthodox Church of Ukraine is a partially recognized autocephalous Eastern Orthodox church whose canonical territory is Ukraine.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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The Moscow Times is an English-language online-only newspaper based in Moscow. It was in print from 1992 until 2017, with a peak circulation of 55,000.