Shevchenko: The prospect of sanctions shook MPs’ willingness to ban UOC

Yevhen Shevchenko, MP. Photo: Shevchenko’s Facebook

There are no votes to pass bill No 8371 on the actual UOC ban. MP Yevhen Shevchenko noted in a comment to ‘Strana’ that now in the Verkhovna Rada many of his colleagues are hesitating.

‘Information about possible sanctions has shaken the desire of many to vote. Many undecided voters, whom lobbyists appealed to in the name of patriotism, were expected to be persuaded. But it seems the plan did not work out," said the member of parliament.

According to him, the consideration of the bill has been postponed until the end of August, and it may not even be brought to a vote then.

"Moreover, I would say that I don't see any desire to push the issue from the country's top leadership," added Shevchenko.

As previously reported by the UOC, signals were received from Washington urging the Parliament not to vote for the UOC ban.

Read also

Abp. Alexei: How to Pray as a Family

"If a family prays together," His Eminence said, "the household becomes a little tower in that vineyard."

Pat. Bartholomew Honors U.S. Traditions, Greek Heritage in Washington Visit

Bartholomew lays wreath at Arlington, meets with U.S. leaders, and blesses faithful in Virginia.

Police Return Relics of St. Raphael to St. Vladimir's Seminary

Yonkers officers, K9 unit honored with blessing and thanksgiving at the seminary.

Conference to Celebrate 100 Years of ROCOR in Germany

The event will take place from May 6-8, 2026 at the historic Blutenburg Castle near St. Job of Pochaev Monastery near Munich.

Patriarch of Alexandria Baptizes 100 in Madagascar

During his homily, Theodore II called baptism “the new birth of man."

Patriarch of Jerusalem Meets with President of Turkey

Theophilos III met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Constantinople. The following day, back in Jerusalem, Theophilos granted an audience to (among others) Abp. Nathanael of the Ethiopian Church in Jerusalem.