Ukraine Parliament Approves Bill to Ban UOC Activities

Ukraine's parliament has passed a bill banning the activities of religious groups linked to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) or any faith supporting Russia's invasion, with 265 votes in favor and 29 opposed. This legislation is primarily aimed at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which claims independence from Moscow but is still seen by the Ukrainian government as canonically tied to the ROC. The law gives the UOC nine months to sever all ties with the ROC or face a ban. Critics, including the ROC and legal experts, have condemned the bill as a violation of religious freedom. The bill now awaits President Volodymyr Zelensky's signature. The move is part of Ukraine's broader efforts to cut ties with Russian institutions amid the ongoing conflict.