Documentary Exposes Religious Persecution in Occupied Ukraine

Russia's War in Ukraine: Documentary Exposes Persecution of Religious Communities The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has brought to light numerous atrocities committed by Russian forces. A recent documentary, "No God But Theirs," produced by the Kyiv Independent, sheds light on the systematic targeting and persecution of Ukrainian churches and clergy in occupied territories. The documentary focuses on the city of Melitopol, located in the Zaporizhzhia region, where Russian forces have been accused of widespread human rights abuses. The film features interviews with four Ukrainian clergymen who share harrowing accounts of their experiences under Russian occupation. One priest describes being interrogated for hours and threatened with deportation. Another recounts how Russian soldiers ransacked his church and stole valuable religious artifacts. These accounts paint a grim picture of the religious persecution occurring in occupied areas. "They were stripping us of our property and belongings," one clergyman states in the documentary. "They accused us of storing weapons or military gear, but it was all lies." These accusations highlight the false narratives used to justify the persecution. The documentary is a powerful testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the devastating impact of the conflict on religious communities. It underscores the importance of international attention to these human rights violations and the need for accountability for those responsible.