On June 30, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa held a meeting with the UK Government's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief David Smith.

The focus of the meeting was on Russia's use of religion as a tool in its aggressive war against Ukraine, the humanitarian consequences of Russian aggression, and violations of fundamental human rights — including the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion — on the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Mariana Betsa informed her British counterpart about the systemic suppression of independent religious life in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, noting that over 800 religious sites have been destroyed or damaged as a result of Russian aggression, and that over 80 clergy have been killed as a result of the occupiers' actions.

"Russia's cynical, systematic attacks on religious sites, as well as the persecution of clergy, are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate policy aimed at destroying Ukrainian identity. These actions constitute an assault not only on Ukraine's cultural and spiritual heritage, but also on fundamental human rights — freedom of conscience and freedom of religion," the Ukrainian diplomat stressed.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the need for continued support for Ukraine in defending democratic values, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, for stepping up sanctions pressure on Russia, and for consolidating international efforts to hold Russia accountable for the crime of aggression, war crimes and other grave violations of international law.

Special attention during the meeting was given to the issue of the abduction and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia. Taking the opportunity, the Deputy Minister thanked the British side for its active participation in the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and its significant contribution to the joint efforts aimed at ensuring their return home.

For his part, David Smith confirmed his readiness to help draw additional attention to Russia's human rights violations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, and expressed support for holding thematic events at the UN devoted to Russia's use of the religious dimension in its war against Ukraine.