Ukraine: Further violence possible amid church split

Event

An attack against an Orthodox church took place in the capital Kyiv on Thursday morning, November 15 (local time). Unknown assailants threw petrol bombs at the church's façade before attacking a priest. Further violence is possible in the coming days and weeks amid rising tensions over Ukraine's decision to establish an independent church.

Context

Ukraine's request to form an independent church was approved on October 11, thus splitting from the Russian Orthodox Church. Both the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kyiv Patriarchate are established in Ukraine. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the escalation of the conflict in the country's eastern regions, many in Ukraine consider the Russian Orthodox Church as a tool to spread the Kremlin's influence in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Ukraine are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.

Due to the ongoing conflict in the east, many Western governments advise against travel to Donetsk and Luhansk provinces.