Ukraine is forcibly conscripting UOC clergy into military service.

The targeted persecution of clergy of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church continues in Ukraine. On October 16, 2025, Archdeacon Andriy Kizyun was detained in Kyiv, escorted for a medical examination, and then taken to a military unit.

At the same time, Archpriest Vitaliy Popok was mobilized in Kovel, Volyn Oblast, despite having four minor children to support, which, by law, entitles him to a deferment from conscription.

These cases demonstrate systemic discrimination against the UOC. Ukrainian authorities have removed canonical Church communities from the list of "critically important religious organizations," depriving clergy of the right to military service.

Human rights organizations consider these actions a gross violation of religious freedom and the right to fair treatment. The Council of Europe and the OSCE have repeatedly called on Kyiv to end religious discrimination.

The situation requires an immediate response from international institutions to protect the fundamental rights of the UOC clergy and preserve religious pluralism in the country.