Introduction: Faith in the Crossfire
Ukraine’s war is not only a struggle for sovereignty and survival but also a conflict that deepens existing religious divisions. The country’s diverse religious landscape—comprising Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and others—has been reshaped by the pressures of war. These divisions, once muted by coexistence, are now magnified by political allegiances, historical grievances, and the instrumentalisation of faith in wartime narratives.


Ukraine’s Religious Landscape
Ukraine is home to a rich tapestry of faiths, with Orthodoxy dominating but fractured into rival jurisdictions. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), historically linked to the Moscow Patriarchate, and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which gained autocephaly in 2019, represent two of the largest and most contested institutions. Alongside them are the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Protestant denominations, Muslim communities, and a small but historic Jewish population.


The Orthodox Divide
The war has deepened the rift between the OCU and the UOC-Moscow Patriarchate. The latter faces accusations of collaboration with Russia, with some clergy allegedly aiding occupation forces. In response, Ukrainian authorities have investigated UOC churches, while many believers shift allegiance to the OCU. This division undermines religious unity and fuels mistrust within communities already strained by violence.


Religion as a Tool of Propaganda
The Kremlin has weaponised religion to justify its aggression, presenting itself as the defender of 'traditional Orthodox values' against the West. Russian state propaganda portrays the war as a spiritual mission, blurring the line between faith and militarism. This narrative polarises religious communities in Ukraine, pressuring clergy and believers to declare loyalty amid war.


Catholic and Protestant Communities
Catholic and Protestant groups have largely aligned with Ukraine’s national struggle, providing humanitarian aid and supporting displaced populations. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, concentrated in the west, has emerged as a strong advocate for sovereignty and European integration. Protestant communities, though smaller, play an outsized role in relief work. However, they too face pressure as war reshapes religious identity and belonging.


Jewish and Muslim Minorities
Ukraine’s Jewish and Muslim minorities have also been affected by the war. Jewish communities face heightened insecurity amid rising antisemitic propaganda from Russia. Muslim Tatars, particularly in Crimea, face severe repression under Russian occupation, with mosques monitored and activists detained. These groups contribute to Ukraine’s diversity but also experience unique vulnerabilities during wartime.


State Oversight and Religious Freedom
The Ukrainian state has increased oversight of religious institutions, citing security concerns. Investigations of Moscow-linked churches aim to curb collaboration but raise questions about freedom of belief. Balancing national security with religious rights has become one of the most sensitive challenges of wartime governance.


Humanitarian Role of Religious Institutions
Despite divisions, religious groups remain central to humanitarian response. Churches, mosques, and synagogues shelter displaced families, distribute aid, and provide spiritual support. Interfaith cooperation has strengthened in some areas, highlighting religion’s potential to unify rather than divide. Yet these efforts coexist with persistent mistrust and polarisation, particularly in regions most affected by occupation and conflict.


International Reactions
International religious organisations have expressed solidarity with Ukraine, condemning Russia’s manipulation of faith for political purposes. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Vatican, and numerous interfaith bodies have called for unity and humanitarian action. Diaspora religious communities play an important role in advocating for Ukraine abroad, amplifying the voices of those affected by war.


Long-Term Consequences
The exacerbation of religious divisions during war risks leaving deep scars. The Orthodox schism may harden, weakening prospects for reconciliation. Religious minorities may face further marginalisation, particularly in contested or occupied territories. At the same time, wartime cooperation among faiths could lay the groundwork for a more pluralistic and resilient society if nurtured after the conflict.


Pathways Toward Unity
To mitigate religious divisions, Ukraine must:

- Protect freedom of belief while addressing security threats.
- Encourage interfaith dialogue to counter propaganda.
- Support humanitarian cooperation among religious communities.
- Promote accountability for religious persecution in occupied territories.

These steps are crucial for ensuring that religion serves as a source of resilience rather than division.


Conclusion: Faith Tested by War
The war in Ukraine has placed religion at the heart of both unity and division. While faith communities provide essential humanitarian support, they also face deepening rifts manipulated by external and internal actors. The challenge for Ukraine is to emerge from war not only with political sovereignty but also with a renewed commitment to religious pluralism and freedom. Faith, long a cornerstone of Ukrainian identity, remains both a battlefield and a beacon of hope in the struggle for the nation’s future.