Briefing Summary: Russian Disinformation About Ukrainian Orthodoxy
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Overview
On November 24, the American Ukraine Committee hosted a timely video briefing with Lauren B. Homer, attorney and Religious Freedom Advocate at Law and Liberty Trust, to unpack the growing wave of Russian disinformation about Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
The conversation illuminated how the Kremlin manufactures false narratives about “Christian persecution,” how these stories gain traction in the U.S., and how Ukraine’s actual religious freedom situation sharply contrasts with conditions in Russian-occupied territories.
The event was moderated by Jed Sunden, who emphasized the importance of understanding this issue for effective advocacy in Congress and among U.S. faith communities.
This briefing offered essential clarity on a topic frequently distorted by political operatives and media influencers.
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The Real Origins of the Orthodox Divide
Ms. Homer explained the historical background:
After the fall of the USSR, Ukraine, like other states, sought an independent Orthodox Church (autocephaly).
This created:
Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) — independent and internationally recognized.
Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) — historically subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate.
The Moscow Church’s influence in Ukraine has long served political, not spiritual, interests. The Kremlin’s narrative attempts to blur these distinctions to fuel confusion.
How Disinformation Took Hold
A well-funded effort led by oligarch Vadym Novinsky, with messaging amplified by lobbyist Robert Amsterdam and certain U.S. media figures, has falsely framed Ukraine as “persecuting Christians.”
Homer underscored that:
No religious group in Ukraine reports persecution.
The only religious restrictions concern organizations tied to a hostile foreign power during wartime.
Meanwhile, occupied territories under Russian control have eliminated religious freedom entirely.
“The only place in Ukraine where religious freedom does not exist is in Russian-occupied Ukraine.”
Documented Russian Abuses in Occupied Ukraine
Homer detailed severe, verified violations:
Arrests of priests and pastors in the pulpit
Seizure and destruction of churches
Forced replacement of congregations with Moscow-controlled groups
Torture, disappearances, and intimidation of believers
Systematic repression of Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Crimean Tatar Muslims
These conditions stand in stark contrast to Ukraine’s pluralistic religious environment.
National Security Concerns Inside Ukraine
The UOC (linked historically to Moscow) has been implicated in aiding Russian forces:
Sharing intelligence on Ukrainian officials
Providing targeting information for missile strikes
Distributing pro-Russian propaganda
Blessing Russian troops and military aggression
Ukraine’s response—requiring legal separation from Moscow—is narrowly targeted and consistent with wartime security practices.
Importantly, the faith is not banned: only the legal entities demonstrably controlled by Moscow face dissolution.
Why the Disinformation Works
Jed Sunden and Homer discussed why these narratives resonate in the U.S.:
They tap into genuine concern among American Christian voters.
Influential media figures repeat Kremlin talking points.
Some policymakers fear backlash from constituents fed disinformation.
Russia’s strategy mirrors earlier tactics used around “language persecution” before 2014.
“It’s a classic Russian tactic: take your own abuses and accuse the other side of them.”
How Americans Should Respond
Homer and Sunden highlighted key actions for advocates, journalists, and policymakers:
1. Rely on Verified Data
The U.S. State Department rates:
Ukraine: Free on religious liberty
Occupied Ukraine: Severely repressed
2. Avoid Reinforcing False Narratives
Repeating phrases like “there is no persecution” can inadvertently cement disinformation.
3. Emphasize Ukraine’s Diversity
Ukraine has:
38,000+ registered religious organizations
Dozens of denominations across Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and others
One of the most religiously free environments in Eastern Europe
4. Share Credible Resources
IRF Summit materials
Law & Liberty Trust analyses
Documentary Faith Under Fire
Looking Ahead
The briefing highlighted both the seriousness of Russia’s disinformation campaign and the strength of Ukraine’s democratic resilience.
Despite wartime conditions, Ukraine maintains robust protection for religious freedom—while Russia destroys it in occupied territories.
The American Ukraine Committee will continue advancing accurate information, supporting Congressional engagement, and preparing follow-up conversations with subject-matter experts.
As Ukraine continues its fight for freedom, democracy, and truth, informed advocacy remains essential.
Stay connected. Stand with Ukraine.
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