CURRENT CHALLENGES IN LEGISLATIVE REGULATION OF STATE-CONFESSIONAL RELATIONS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article investigates state-confessional relations in Ukraine from the moment of independence to the present, particularly in the context of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. It examines Ukraineʼs need to create an effective political model in the sphere of religious relations, considering the destructive nature of Soviet policies. In the context of the war with Russia, the problem of regulating the activities of religious organizations has become even more urgent, necessitating the development of a partnership model of state-confessional relations to ensure the rights and freedoms of citizens. The main focus is on analyzing legislative initiatives aimed at limiting the influence of the aggressor country on the religious environment of Ukraine. In particular, the draft laws No. 7204, 7213, 8221, and 8371 are considered. Special attention is paid to draft law No. 8371, presented on January 19, 2023, which proposes a comprehensive solution to the problem by prohibiting the activities of religious organizations affiliated with religious structures in aggressor state. The draft law provides for conducting religious studies examinations by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience and the possibility of terminating the activities of such organizations through a court decision. However, the implementation of this project is associated with difficulties, including the possible large number of court cases and the need for clear mechanisms for executing the law’s provisions. The article emphasizes that while draft law No. 8371 has significant potential to enhance national security, it is necessary to consider previous legislative initiatives and their shortcomings. It recommends improving the mechanisms for implementing the law and continuing the fight against Russian influence in the religious field through intensifying measures against anti-Ukrainian activities of individual religious figures and active educational work. This will reduce the number of religious communities subject to the law, focusing efforts on the most problematic cases.