Kremlin accuses Ukraine of “Illegally Attacking” Ukrainian orthodox church, calls for “Special Military Operation”

The Kremlin on Friday said that Ukraine was “illegally attacking” the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). This, until recently accepted the authority of the patriarch of Moscow, adding that this confirmed the need for its “special military operation”.

Last week, the Ukrainian officials ordered the UOC to leave the monastery complex in Kyiv, where it is based, drawing fierce condemnation from Moscow.

Pope Francis also called for the “respect” of religious sites.

The UOC had said that it has severed its ties with Russia and the Moscow patriarchate.

Moreover, the Ukrainian culture ministry said the UOC had been ordered to leave the 980-year-old Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, where it has its headquarters.

In a statement, it said a probe had revealed the UOC “violated the terms of the agreement regarding the use of state property”, but did not give any details.