Amidst Russian Invasion, Christian Persecution Soars in Ukraine: Report of the Ukrainian Baptist Church to U.S. House President

Since the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, religious persecution has intensified for many Christian communities living in occupied areas. In April 2022, leaders of the Ukrainian Baptist Church sent a report to US House President, Representative Mike Johnson detailing their intense suffering under Russian authorities in Luhansk. The Baptist Union of Ukraine was designated as a “terrorist group,” and all 44 churches were ordered to close.

This persecution against Christians goes beyond just Baptists, with other Christian communities such as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church also facing targeting in regions like Zaporizhzhya. Churches were banned, and religious leaders were not allowed to conduct services legally. Properties were transferred to Russian administrative authorities and ministries were prevented from registering.

According to reports, persecution against Ukrainian Christians is more severe now than during the Soviet era, with hundreds of churches destroyed and religious leaders subjected to torture and arbitrary detention. Various Christian churches have been systematically targeted, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which maintains its Ukrainian identity and refuses to pray for Russian victory.

Fears among Ukrainian religious leaders are growing that their churches may be permanently banned if Putin’s regime wins over Ukraine. Almost all churches in Russian-occupied territories have lost the right to hold religious services and many have been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks. The Eurasia Mission has reported that repressive policies are being imposed on religious communities in occupied territories by Russian authorities.

Christian leaders in occupied territories have faced widespread torture, including mock executions, rape threats, and physical beatings. Many churches have been closed under accusations of having Western ties or being enemies of the Russian people and extremists. Religious leaders are being spied on at home and deported from occupied territories by Russian authorities.

The full-scale invasion by Russia has made things worse for churches and religious communities in Ukraine, with hundreds of religious structures being destroyed under repressive Kremlin policies that affect not only Russia but also occupied parts of Ukraine. The persecution of Christians remains a significant concern as they continue to face ongoing repression despite international efforts to stop it.