The United States is monitoring the situation around the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and expects that Kyiv, by imposing sanctions on the clergy “involved in Russian aggression”, complies with international law. This was stated by John Kirby, the National Security Council’s strategic communications coordinator at the White House, Voice of America reports.

“Obviously, we are observing the development (situation) around the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches associated with the Moscow Patriarchate and Ukraine’s sanctions against members of this church who have taken steps in support of Russian military aggression. President Zelensky has stressed the principles of religious freedom, and we expect Ukraine’s actions to be consistent with international law that protects freedom of religion or belief,” said a spokesman for the US Presidential Administration.