On December 18, 2022, Archbishop Viktor (Kotsaba) of Baryshivka noted that in the conditions of war there are forces that are persistently trying to label the majority of Ukrainians as enemies, second-class people who can and should be persecuted and deprived of what is left in them – their faith. It is reported by the publication politica.com.ua.

“Now the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is preparing to consider 4 bills aimed at restricting the rights of believers and liquidating the UOC. And although they do not directly mention the UOC, the accompanying documents to the bills show the opposite. Their content is striking in the level of legal nihilism and inconsistency with the principles of international law. For example, a bill by the deputy N. Kniazhitsky from Eurosolidarity proposes to monopolize the word “Orthodox” for the OCU (Orthodox Church of Ukraine) and not to use it in the name without its permission. That is, if you have not received permission or do not belong to the OCU, you will not have the right to call yourself Orthodox,” the hierarch wrote.

The bishop noted that such legislative initiatives will not have support in the respected international community, they will be successfully challenged in international institutions and will become a significant obstacle to European integration.

“It is clear that such a scenario cannot be beneficial for the state and the current government. Perhaps it is beneficial to someone else,” summed up Archbishop Victor.