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Call for EU state to probe Orthodox churches

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"Russia has never hatched, is not hatching and will never hatch any plans to attack anyone."

"These military exercises, drills, are purely defensive and are not a threat to any other country."

"We [Russians] learn from US newspapers that we will attack Ukraine."

"The geopolitical objective of Russia today is clearly not Ukraine."

"Right now, the people's biggest enemy is panic in our country [Ukraine]."

"There is a risk for a full-fledged invasion."

"We are talking about the real possibility of war in Europe."

"One way or another, [Putin] wants Ukraine neutralized."

Russia is looking for "an excuse to go in."

"[A]n invasion could be imminent, and it is highly likely."

"Russia may launch an attack on Ukraine on Saturday, February 19, 2022."

"As of this moment I'm convinced he's made the decision" and an assault could occur in the "coming days."

Will Russia Invade Ukraine?

Ukraine's parliament, by a margin of 265 votes to 29, passed a law banning religious groups affiliated to the Russian Orthodox Church on Tuesday — a move seen as targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) that was historically linked to Moscow.

Within a month of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UOC voted to separate itself from the Moscow Patriarchate. However, Ukrainian leaders have since accused it of aiding and abetting Russia's war effort by spreading propaganda and housing Russian spies.

National Review

Reuters

Last year, the Ukrainian government evicted the UOC from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra preserve — known as the Monastery of the Caves in English — accusing UOC leadership of making unauthorized changes to the site.

The Associated Press

Meanwhile, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said that over 100 OUC clergy-members have come under criminal investigation for collaborating with Russia or justifying its aggression since the start of the war. It added that nearly 50 of those have been charged, with 26 receiving sentences so far.

The Kyiv Independent

On Tuesday, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the latest move as a step towards strengthening Ukraine's "spiritual independence." He must yet sign the bill before it formally passes.

Politico

Meanwhile, Iryna Herashchenko, a lawmaker, described it as a "historic vote," and one that pertains to national security. "Parliament approved a legislation which bans a branch of the aggressor country in Ukraine," she wrote on Telegram.

Despite claims that is has split from Moscow, the UOC clergy have blessed Russian tanks and told Ukrainian parishioners to welcome Russia's invasion of the country. This is a historic move that will deprive the Kremlin of one of its most important spy networks.

Ukraine’s parliament moves forward on ‘cleansing’ Moscow-linked church

Immediately after the Russian invasion, the UOC moved to separate itself from the Moscow Patriarchate. This is a cynical move that tramples on religious freedoms, and one that needs to be reversed if Ukraine still wants to be considered a bastion of liberty against Russian aggression.

Ukraine Nears Ban on Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Violating Religious Freedom

There's a 20% chance that Ukraine will join the EU before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Ukrainian MPs Vote to Ban Moscow-Linked Churches

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