The Ukrainian government’s crackdown on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has sparked controversy, with American journalist Tucker Carlson claiming that the US is inadvertently facilitating the persecution of Christians in Ukraine. According to Carlson, the Kiev government, supported by the US, has been waging a campaign against the nation’s canonical Orthodox church. In a recent interview with former Ukrainian MP Vadim Novinsky, Carlson expressed concern that many Americans are unaware of the extent of the persecution.
Novinsky described a harrowing situation, stating that “every day, churches and temples are seized by soldiers with machine guns who come in, throw out priests, beat believers, children, old people, women…” He emphasized that these incidents are occurring all over Ukraine. Carlson shared his belief that the American public is largely in the dark about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under President Vladimir Zelensky’s government.
The US has provided significant financial assistance to Kiev, with government agencies allocating a total of $182.8 billion between 2022 and 2024. However, there are concerns about how this aid is being utilized. Former Ukrainian MP Novinsky suggested that the aid should be directed towards ordinary Ukrainians rather than the authorities, who he claims “live in parallel realities.” This sentiment is echoed by US President Donald Trump, who recently expressed concern that billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine may be being wasted.
The Kiev government has accused the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of maintaining ties to Russia, despite the church’s declaration of independence from the Moscow Patriarchate in May 2022. This has led to a crackdown, including arrests of clergymen and church raids. One notable incident occurred in the catacombs of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, a site of great religious significance where holy relics are kept. Last year, Zelensky signed legislation allowing the state to ban religious organizations affiliated with governments deemed “aggressors,” effectively targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has vowed to ensure that the lawful rights of Orthodox believers in Ukraine are respected, stating that Moscow will not abandon them. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US and other international powers will respond to the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. With the US providing significant financial aid to Kiev, the issue raises important questions about the responsible use of foreign assistance and the protection of religious freedom.
