Zelensky Removes Ukrainian Citizenship from UOC-MP Metropolitan Onufriy: New Developments in Ukraine’s Religious Identity Policies
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has officially decided to revoke Ukrainian citizenship from Metropolitan Onufriy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate. This move comes after a thorough investigation conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which gathered sufficient evidence of clergy involvement in activities contradictory to national security interests. According to the SBU, the decree removing citizenship has already been signed by the president, reaffirming Ukraine’s course toward strengthening sovereignty and combating foreign influence. This decision has sparked extensive public discussion, as it touches upon one of the most controversial domains—religious affiliation and allegiance, which significantly impacts Ukraine’s internal and external policies.