Kyiv vs. Kirill: Ukraine places Russian church leader on wanted list
In a move that further deepens the rift between Ukraine and the Russian Orthodox Church, Ukrainian authorities have placed Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Church, on a wanted list, as reported by Reuters.
This symbolic gesture comes amidst ongoing accusations by Ukraine that Kirill is complicit in the ongoing war and undermines Ukrainian society.
Mounting Tensions and Accusations:
Patriarch Kirill has been a vocal supporter of the Kremlin and its policies, including the war in Ukraine. This stance has drawn significant criticism within Ukraine, with many accusing him of lending religious legitimacy to the conflict. Ukrainian security services have further escalated tensions by accusing Kirill of direct complicity in the war.
"This is an individual who is hiding from preliminary investigation bodies," stated a Ukrainian ministry post accompanying the wanted list, clearly identifying Kirill by name.
Ukrainian Efforts to Curb Russian Influence:
The placement of Kirill on the wanted list is part of a broader Ukrainian effort to curb the influence of Russian-affiliated religious figures within its borders. Authorities have opened criminal cases against clergy linked to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a branch historically tied to the Russian Church and Kirill.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian Parliament is considering a bill that could potentially ban this branch of the church altogether. This move follows a significant decline in its support since the onset of the war, with many Ukrainians choosing to distance themselves from institutions perceived as sympathetic to Russia.
Church Denies Ties, Ukraine Remains Sceptical:
Despite the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's claims of severing ties with Moscow in May 2022, the Ukrainian government remains sceptical of its neutrality. The placement of Patriarch Kirill on the wanted list, though purely symbolic, signifies a hardening stance towards the Russian Church's perceived role in the ongoing conflict.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
