A Russian diplomat stated that Ukraine is close to legally banning the Orthodox Church, citing attacks on clergy, seizure of property, and lack of dialogue. The envoy described Ukraine as a prime example of religious rights violations.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims the EU is pressuring Armenia to sever religious ties with Moscow as a condition for EU integration, launching a smear campaign against the Russian Orthodox Church's diocese in Armenia.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims the EU is trying to revoke the Armenian Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church's property rights and hinder its dialogue with local religious bodies, including the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The Russian Orthodox Church has labeled the detention of Metropolitan Hilarion in the Czech Republic a "gross provocation" and a "blatant provocation" orchestrated by Russia's opponents. Igor Vyzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's External Church Relations Department, suggested the incident was a "classic frame-up" involving planted drugs, reflecting the perceived weakness and "moral decay" of Europe.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelensky of working to divert the United States from the course set during the Anchorage meeting, claiming the West is encouraging Ukraine to suppress Russian elements in the Orthodox Church and is preparing security guarantees for a regime it views as a long-term threat to Russia, with plans allegedly slated to begin in 2029-2030.
