The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a significant law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) with a vote of 265 in favor and 33 against.

This legislation prohibits the Russian Orthodox Church from operating within Ukraine and aims to dissolve religious organizations linked to it, pending court approval.

Ukrainian leaders have accused the UOC of spreading pro-Russian propaganda and collaborating with Russian forces during the ongoing conflict.

The new law allows nine months for parishes associated with the Moscow Church to sever their ties, reflecting Ukraine's efforts to assert spiritual sovereignty amid the war.

In addition to the ban, the Ukrainian government has initiated legal actions against UOC representatives, including raids on church properties.

MP Roman Lozynskyi emphasized that this move is aimed at purging the Kremlin's influence, which has been disguised as a religious organization.

Despite declaring independence from Moscow in May 2022, the UOC remains under scrutiny due to its historical affiliations with the Russian Orthodox Church.

As tensions escalate, the Ukrainian government has ordered the evacuation of Pokrovsk and surrounding areas due to advancing Russian forces.

On the same day, Russian forces captured the town of Niou-Iork in Donetsk, a key logistical site for Ukrainian operations.

Amid these developments, Germany is reportedly considering reducing its military aid to Ukraine, raising concerns among Ukrainian leaders.

Experts predict that the process of dissolving Moscow-linked parishes will be lengthy, as each ban must be legally validated.

A government commission will be established to identify and target organizations affiliated with the UOC, furthering the government's crackdown on perceived external influences.