Ukrainian diplomacy underestimated the religious factor, but the situation is changing, — expert opinion
This was stated by Dr. Oleh Turiy, Vice-Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University and Director of the Institute of Church History, during a live television broadcast, commenting on Zelensky's request at a meeting with the Pope for the beatification of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky.
According to the historian, at the beginning of the term, the authorities did not fully understand the significance of religion as a component of socio-political diplomacy.
"Only after it became clear that religious factors, particularly Protestant churches, greatly influence the policies of the American government and its presidents, did our authorities realize that we actually have a much more powerful resource. We have integrated structures like the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, especially throughout North America," said Turiy.
He emphasized that the role of religion had previously been underestimated in diplomatic and informational strategy. However, the situation is changing, and President Zelensky's rhetoric, particularly in his addresses to international audiences, reflects this shift.
“This indicates that he is studying intensively, and the people crafting these messages are well informed. This is a positive sign,” he added.
Oleh Turiy recalled the contributions of state authorities and President Petro Poroshenko in obtaining the Tomos for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
While Turiy noted that the current Ukrainian government's influence on the Catholic Church should not be overstated, he suggested that the beatification of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky might progress a bit more rapidly.
“Such an additional gesture, signaling that this is a matter uniting society from the government's perspective, seems very important to me,” emphasized UCU Vice Rector Dr. Oleh Turiy.
