The majority of Ukrainians (83%) believe that the state should interfere in the activities of the UOC (MP) to some extent (in December 2022, the number was 78%, in May 2023 - 85%).
This is evidenced by the results of a KIIS poll.
In particular, 63% believe that this Church should be completely banned in Ukraine (in December 2022 - 54%, in May 2023 - 66%). Another 20% now support a somewhat "softer" approach, which does not imply a complete ban, but provides for the establishment of state control and supervision (in December 2022 - 24%, in May 2023 - 19%).
At the same time, according to 12% of respondents, nothing should be done and no interference should be made in the affairs of the UOC (MP), and only certain possible cases of offences should be investigated (the same number was in December 2022, 6% in May 2013).
At the same time, the proactive position of the state in the issue of the UOC (MP) is supported in all Regions of Ukraine (from 76% in the East to 85% in the West and 86% in the Centre). At the same time, in the South and East, there are slightly fewer people who support a complete ban (55% and 46% against, respectively, 69% in the West and 68% in the Centre).
As for trust, 82% of Ukrainians do not trust the UOC (MP), 8% trust it, and 11% have not decided on their opinion. In all regions, the overwhelming majority (from 73% in the East to 88% in the West) do not trust the UOC (MP).
"...it can be argued that even now the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate continues to carry out activities that make it perceived by the population as the 'fifth column of the Kremlin'. Obviously, the church fails to convince Ukrainians that it is no longer dependent on the leadership of the Moscow Patriarchate and that it stands on pro-Ukrainian positions. At the same time, it is worth remembering and taking into account that practical security actions against representatives of the Church (and the Church itself, if the relevant law is approved) must be accompanied by enhanced communication, especially with the public of Western partners. We can already see that the Russian enemy is trying to discredit Ukraine abroad through the alleged "persecution of Christians". This topic is particularly sensitive for our partners...", commented Anton Hrushetskyy, Executive Director of KIIS.
The survey was conducted on 20-25 April 2024 by computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) based on a random sample of mobile phone numbers. A total of 1,220 respondents were interviewed. The survey was conducted with adults (aged 18 and older) who were citizens of Ukraine and resided in Ukraine at the time of the survey. The statistical error of this sample did not exceed 3.2%.