'Russia exploits religion as a tool of its occupation policy,' say participants in roundtable discussion at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve

This was reported by the Reserve’s press service.

Human rights activists, religious scholars, representatives of various religious denominations, and researchers convened to discuss the persecution of religious communities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. They addressed issues such as the seizure of places of worship, the forced re-registration of religious organizations, and the searches, arrests, and pressures faced by independent communities.

Special attention was given to the situation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Muslim communities, Protestant churches, Greek Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other religious groups in Crimea, as well as in parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.

“The occupation impacts not only buildings or religious organizations; it destroys the communities themselves. People are leaving, losing connections, and are unable to gather and continue their religious lives. This is why it is essential to document these violations and simultaneously seek support mechanisms for these communities,” emphasized Konstiantyn Krainii, Deputy Director General for Research at the Reserve.

During the event, participants focused on the persecution of individuals from various faiths by Russian security forces, the seizure and illegal use of religious buildings and properties belonging to religious communities, pressure on independent religious groups, and attempts at indoctrination through the forced re-registration of religious organizations and the persecution of religious leaders.

It was particularly noted that the Russian Federation exploits religion as a tool of its occupation policy by leveraging the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious organizations under its control.