Survey Reveals Widespread Ukrainian Backing for Severing Ties with Russian Orthodox Church and Banning Moscow-Linked Church.

How Ukrainians View Religious Organizations Linked to Russia

According to Espreso.tv: A nationwide survey conducted by the Sociological Group 'Rating' from May 4 to May 9, involving 2,000 participants, sheds light on public attitudes toward religious entities with Russian affiliations operating in Ukraine. The findings indicate strong support for cutting all connections with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and outlawing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP).

Key statistics include:

• 80% of respondents favor ending the UOC’s ties with the ROC.
• 62% advocate for banning religious organizations linked to the aggressor state.
• 57% back prohibiting the UOC under Metropolitan Onufriy’s leadership.
• 67% support imposing sanctions against Metropolitan Onufriy.
• Trust in Metropolitan Epifaniy stands at 47%, while only 3% of respondents trust Patriarch Kirill of the ROC.

The creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) is viewed positively by 60% of Ukrainians, and 54% endorse merging the OCU and UOC into a single national Orthodox church. Furthermore, 79% believe the state should regulate religious organizations if they pose a threat to national security. At the same time, 68% of those surveyed consider the level of religious freedom in Ukraine to be high.

Legislative Action Against the ROC in Ukraine

Currently, 6,500 clergy members from religious organizations classified as critical infrastructure have been exempted from military mobilization in Ukraine. A significant development occurred in August 2024 when parliament passed a bill banning the ROC’s activities in the country. According to Viktor Yelensky,

“Religious organizations belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate cannot be designated as strategic entities, nor can their priests receive mobilization deferments.”

These survey results highlight a shift in Ukrainian public opinion regarding Russia-linked religious institutions and their impact on national security. The growing support for banning the UOC-MP reflects a desire to distance the country from Russian structures, especially amid the ongoing war. The passage of legislative measures to regulate religious organizations also demonstrates the state’s readiness to address challenges tied to security and national identity.