Ukraine gives Moscow-linked church deadline to cut ties with Russia

"Following an investigation into signs of affiliation between the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and a foreign religious organization whose activities are banned in Ukraine, the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been issued an order to eliminate violations of legislation on freedom of conscience and religious organizations," the document states.

It notes that under Ukrainian law, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate is required to address the identified violations by August 18, 2025.

According to the results of the investigation, it was determined that the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate shows signs of affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), despite its attempts to distance itself from the Moscow Patriarchate.

To comply with the directive issued by the state authority, Metropolitan Onufriy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate must submit decisions from the Church’s highest governing bodies confirming the Church’s withdrawal from the ROC and the invalidation of all provisions of the ROC statute for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The document also requires the withdrawal of Ukrainian Orthodox Church representatives, including priests, monks, and nuns, from all governing and canonical bodies of the ROC, such as the synod, the episcopal and local councils, synodal departments, and other structures.

Additionally, the directive mandates that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church recognize as invalid the ROC’s decisions on the annexation of Ukrainian Orthodox Church dioceses and the appointment of diocesan administrators. Furthermore, Metropolitan Onufriy must publicly, either verbally or in writing, declare his disagreement with participating in the ROC's governing bodies and submit a formal statement to terminate the corresponding powers and ties with the ROC.

Metropolitan Onufriy stripped of Ukrainian citizenship

Earlier, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported that, based on intelligence it gathered, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), Metropolitan Onufriy, has been stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship.

It was revealed that Onufriy holds a Russian passport. RBC-Ukraine has already obtained a photo of the document.

According to law enforcement, Metropolitan Onufriy received Russian citizenship back in 2002.