Vladimir Zelensky wants to replace the country's largest denomination with a state-controlled institution, Artyom Dmitruk told RT

Kiev's ongoing crackdown on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) can be explained by Vladimir Zelensky's desire to gain political power, MP Artyom Dmitruk has told RT.

Earlier this year, Kiev adopted a law that threatens to completely ban the UOC, adding to pressure already exerted on the largest Ukrainian church by the authorities. Dmitruk opposed the bill when it was debated in parliament and later fled the country, saying he was afraid for his family and himself after taking a stance against the Ukrainian leader.

"By this point, the entire world and even this dumbwit Zelensky understood that fighting against the church was a very bad idea," the lawmaker said.

Dmitruk is currently fighting an extradition request in the British courts, claiming that Ukrainian officials have fabricated a criminal case against him for political reasons.

The UOC community, to which the MP belongs, includes many independent-minded people who genuinely want the best for the nation, he said. This is in stark contrast to "those who came in for a time, robbed and raped our country, and then left it for good."

Zelensky is backing the rival Orthodox Church of Ukraine, because he wants a "state church," Dmitruk claimed. The UOC has refused to become a tool of the government and is now paying the price for that, he said.

The lawmaker hopes that Zelensky will be removed from power, possibly as early as next year. With him gone, Dmitruk believes UOC bishops could play the role of mediators, building a "bridge of peace" between Ukraine and Russia.

The UOC is self-governed, but has historic and spiritual ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Ukrainian law considers that reason enough for its full prohibition and gave it nine months to cut all connections when it came into force in September.
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