Persecution against Ukrainian Christians in occupied territories is a brutal reality that has intensified since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian Baptist Church reported to US House Representative Mike Johnson in early April, detailing the immense suffering faced by their communities under Kremlin control. In Luhansk, Russian authorities designated the Baptist Union of Ukraine as a “terrorist group” and ordered the closure of all 44 Baptist churches in the region.
Religious persecution extends beyond just Baptists, with other Christian communities like the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church also being targeted by repression. In Zaporizhzhya, all Greek Catholic churches were banned, and their religious leaders were prevented from legally practicing their faith. Church properties were transferred to Russian administrative authorities, and leaders were hindered from registering their ministries. The occupation forces justify these actions by alleging false accusations of storing explosives and violating Russian legislation.
The persecution against Ukrainian Christians in occupied territories is said to be more intense than during the Soviet era, with hundreds of churches destroyed and religious leaders facing torture and arbitrary detention. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, part of the Russian Orthodox Church, has also been targeted for maintaining its Ukrainian identity and refusing to pray for the victory of Russian forces in the war.
Christian leaders detained in occupied territories have been subjected to widespread torture, including mock executions, threats of rape, electric shocks, and group beatings lasting hours. Many churches have been closed under accusations of having Western ties or being extremists simply for holding services in Ukrainian.
The full-scale invasion by Russia has significantly worsened the situation for churches and religious communities in Ukraine. Missile and drone attacks have caused destruction to hundreds of religious structures. The Kremlin’s repressive policy is imposed on the territories under its control, leading to a difficult situation for almost all religious communities facing persecution.
The persecution against Ukrainian Christians has become a significant concern for human rights organizations around the world who are calling on Russia to respect freedom of religion and cease its violation of human rights laws.
In conclusion, Religious persecution against Christians living in occupied areas during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a brutal reality that has intensified since February 2022. It involves various forms of violence such as torture, arbitrary detention, church closures
