Russia Demolishes Last Ukrainian Church in Occupied Crimea

On July 21 the Russian initiated the dismantling of the Cross-Exaltation Church in Crimea of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, marking a pivotal moment in a prolonged legal dispute. Reports confirm the removal of the dome and disassembly of the church’s upper structure.

“This marks another instance of systematic discrimination against Ukrainians by Russia based on nationality under occupation,” remarked Gyunduz Mamedov, former Deputy Prosecutor General, on Twitter. Metropolitan Kliment of the Simferopol and Crimea Eparchy of the OCU had earlier informed that this church represented the last Ukrainian place of worship in occupied Crimea.

Since 2019, pressure has mounted on the parish and the Crimean Eparchy of the OCU to comply with a court order from the occupying authorities mandating the church’s demolition. Despite ongoing threats, parishioners have steadfastly refused to carry out the directive, prompting Yevpatoriia’s municipal authorities to seek direct court authorization for the demolition, intending to charge parishioners for the associated costs.

Metropolitan Kliment has condemned these actions as part of a broader effort to erode Ukrainian national identity. He has called for a reevaluation of Ukraine’s policy towards such actions by occupying authorities, stressing the necessity for international legal consequences.

“The occupying municipal authorities of Yevpatoriia have now begun the demolition of the Cross-Exaltation Church of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine,” Mamedov continued.

Discrimination based on nationality and religion is prohibited under international law, necessitating a legal assessment of actions taken by occupying administrations and their proponents.

Geneva Convention emphasizes the right of citizens in occupied territories to religious freedom and spiritual support from religious leaders, highlighting the imperative for adherence to these principles amidst ongoing tensions.

Crimea has been occupied by Russian forces since late February 2014, when unmarked soldiers believed to be Russian deployed across the peninsula, marking the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian War. This military intervention, amidst Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity, led to the annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014.