The Ukrainian parliament passed a law banning religious groups linked to the Russian Orthodox Church, which has sparked outrage from the Moscow Patriarchate. The law, supported by President Zelenskyy, targets the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) that has historical ties to Moscow. Although the UOC has distanced itself from the Russian Orthodox Church, it remains in a precarious position. Moscow’s patriarchate condemned the law, comparing it to past religious persecutions, and warned of its impact on Ukraine-Russia relations. The law's implications for religious freedom have drawn international attention, with some leaders supporting it as a defense against Russian influence. Meanwhile, the ongoing rivalry between the UOC and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) complicates any potential resolution, as historical animosities and conflicts over church properties persist
