Russia’s Persecution of Ukrainian Churches Continues as War Enters Fifth Year

As Russia’s war against Ukraine enters its fifth year this week, religious communities in Russian-occupied territories face increasing pressure, harassment, and violence.   Reports from church leaders and human rights groups indicate that Protestant congregations in Ukraine have been particularly targeted with raids, closures, and intimidation, with Moscow aggressively seeking to reshape the religious landscape to serve its political and military objectives.  Since the full-scale invasion launched by Vladimir Putin in February 2022, occupying authorities have systematically moved to restrict or remove religious groups they view as disloyal from territories under their control.  In multiple…