Russia is trying to disguise its terrible actions against Ukrainian religious communities

In light of recent events, Russia is trying to disguise its terrible actions against Ukrainian religious communities by shifting the responsibility to Kyiv. Maksym Vasin, Executive Director of the Institute for Religious Freedom, spoke during the meeting of the Roundtable on International Religious Freedom, which took place on January 29, 2024 in Washington, DC, in the US Senate Office Building.

Maksym Vasin, head of the Institute of Religious Freedom, expressed gratitude to international partners, in particular the United States, for supporting Ukraine in its quest for independence and religious diversity. He emphasized that Ukraine aspires to be part of the free world, but faces Russian obstacles, which include the genocide of the Ukrainian people.

Vasin, originally from Donetsk, noted that since 2014, when Russia first invaded Ukraine, human rights and religious freedom in the region have deteriorated significantly. His family suffered repression by Russian forces because of their evangelical church affiliation and Ukrainian identity, forcing them to leave their home and flee persecution.

Russia has fueled Europe’s biggest migration and humanitarian crisis since World War II as it continues to kill civilians and destroy civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Vasin noted that Russia is also destroying the historical and cultural heritage of Ukraine, including museums, churches and other religious buildings. According to the Institute of Religious Freedom, the Russian occupation authorities brutally persecute religious communities that support their Ukrainian identity. Ukrainian priests, pastors, imams, and other religious leaders are victims of illegal arrests, kidnappings, and imprisonments, as well as torture and ill-treatment.

In contrast, Russian propaganda tries to mislead by claiming that Ukraine restricts religious freedom and bans churches, which is false. Ukrainian authorities have not banned any churches, and a bill to sever ties with Russian religious centers is still being debated in parliament.