The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adoped at first reading Bill No. 8371 on banning the activities of religious organizations affiliated with the Russian Federation.
A total of 267 People’s Deputies supported the bill at first reading, according to MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak.
The draft law received the greatest support from the ruling Servant of the People faction, where 175 deputies backed the move.
Also, the bill saw support from the European Solidarity (26 votes), Motherland (17), Voice (18), Trust (12), and some non-faction lawmakers.
The passing of the bill at first reading is an important step toward a complete ban on the operations of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine and ending its influence. The further fate of the draft law will be determined at the stage of the second reading.
