Select a Region
Ukraine News
-
Churches Encounter Continued Oppression
Police questioning church members.
Photo: Baptist Council of Churches
Churches in occupied areas of eastern Ukraine continue to experience ongoing opposition from Russian-installed authorities. For Christians within the region, this has led to harsh restrictions on places of worship that are not affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as those that do not comply with the imposed regulations.
-
Orthodox Priest Transferred to Russian Labour Camp
Father Kostiantyn Maksimov
Photo: Center for Civil Liberties
In May 2023, Orthodox priest Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces in the Zaporizhzhia Region of eastern Ukraine. In March 2024, it was announced that he had been accused of reporting the location of Russian air defences and put on trial for espionage. On August 2nd, the church leader was found guilty and sentenced to 14 years in a forced labour camp. For more details on Father Kostiantyn's case, see these reports.
-
Priest Sentenced to 14 Years in Labour Camp
Father Kostiantyn Maksimov
Photo: Center for Civil Liberties
In May 2023, Father Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces from his home in the Zaporizhzhia area of Ukraine. In March 2024, it was announced that he was accused of reporting the location of Russian air defenses and consequently charged with espionage. Further details are available here.
-
Verdict Expected for Priest Charged with Espionage
An "Orthodox Church of Ukraine" monastery.
Photo: Wikipedia / Rbrechko (cc)When Father Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces in May 2023, little was known about the whereabouts of the Ukrainian Orthodox priest. In late March 2024, the Russian prosecutor for the Zaporizhzhia Region announced that Father Kostiantyn would be facing espionage charges. (For more details, see this report.)
