“ES” MP asserts that UOC is “working against spiritual independence”

Oleg Synyutka, a member of the "European Solidarity" faction in the Ukrainian parliament, has called for the prohibition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, stating that the Church is allegedly "working against Ukraine's spiritual independence." He made these remarks during an interview on the "5 Kanal" television channel, which was posted on YouTube.

He noted that there is sufficient support in parliament to ban the UOC, with the exception of one vote – that of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The MP believes that there is a lack of political will within the government to initiate the necessary legislation for banning the Church and order the VR to pass a bill to that effect.

According to Synyutka, Ukrainian society allegedly overwhelmingly desires the prohibition of the UOC, and the authorities should respond to this sentiment.

"Practice shows that when there is pressure from society, then the government has to react... They often adjust to public opinion. It's excellent that Ukrainians today are united and dictate to the authorities the liquidation of this structure. Such events and broadcasts encourage the government to act," added the MP.

As reported by the UOJ, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada stated that there are not enough votes in parliament to ban the UOC.