After the intrusion in Kursk, Ukraine gives another big blow to Russia, preparations are being made to defeat it through a law
Is Ukraine gaining the upper hand in the Russia-Ukraine war? This question is being raised because this is the first time in this war that started in February 2022 that the Ukrainian army is moving forward in attacking mode rather than defensive mode. When this war started two and a half years ago, it was believed that Ukraine might soon surrender in front of Putin's powerful army, but strong willpower and support from NATO countries including America did not allow Ukraine to prove weak on the battlefield.
In recent days, Ukraine has intensified its attacks against Russia. On 6 August, the Ukrainian army suddenly intruded into Kursk in Russia. This move by Ukraine shocked the whole world. The Ukrainian army has claimed to have captured at least 92 villages in Russia, while President Zelensky has prepared to give another big blow to Russia.
9-month ultimatum to the Orthodox Church
Ukrainian President Zelensky has signed a bill banning religious groups having ties with Russia. The main target of this bill is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which is historically linked to the Russian Orthodox Church. It is also known as the Moscow Patriarchate. After giving a tough challenge to Russia on the battlefield, Ukraine wants to end Moscow's influence from religious institutions. Therefore, the new law gives the UOC and other religious groups a 9-month ultimatum to end their ties with Russia or face legal action.
On August 20, this bill was passed by the Ukrainian Parliament, and about 265 votes were cast in its favor while only 29 votes were cast against it. After the signature of President Zelensky, this bill has now been converted into law, which will enable action against those religious institutions that are considered to be pro-Russia. At the same time, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church claims that it has ended its association with the Russian Orthodox Church in the year 2022 itself. But Ukraine's State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience says that the UOC's relations with the Russian Orthodox Church are still intact and the church is still influenced by Moscow.
Big action by Ukraine's State Service
The State Service of Ukraine (SBU) has accused the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of propaganda for Russia. Since February 2022, the State Service has initiated criminal proceedings against more than 100 priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
According to the information, about 50 priests have already been charged and 26 priests have been punished.
Ukraine alleges that religious centers in Russia, not only the Moscow Patriarchate but also centers of Muslims, Protestant Christians, and Buddhists, are under the control of the Kremlin. They spread Russia's ideology, justifying the war against Ukraine. Therefore, eradicating Russian dominance from religious sites is a part of the war for Ukraine.
Ukraine trying to subdue Russia!
By infiltrating Kursk in Russia in early August, Ukraine has shown that it is now working on a new strategy. For some time now, Ukrainian President Zelensky and his army seem to be full of a different kind of confidence.
Perhaps after staying on the battlefield for so long, Ukraine is realizing that this war may not be won but it can be ended on its terms. This is the reason why after the infiltration in Kursk, Ukraine said that Russia should return to the negotiating table. At the same time, Russian President Putin is very angry with this audacity of Ukraine, he has clearly said that this is the answer Ukraine will get for this.