SW News: Following the invasion, Christians in Ukraine are undergoing persecution at the hands of Russia. According to a recent assessment by Global Christian Relief, a US-based persecution monitoring group, the Russian military was involved in the killings, detention, and torture of at least two dozen religious leaders.

Furthermore, the study states that roughly 500 churches and other religious institutions have been destroyed, damaged, or looted. In a recent statement, David Curry, CEO of Global Christian Relief, described Russian soldiers' activities against Ukrainian Christians and other minorities as targeted acts resembling a campaign of cultural genocide.

Russia is attempting to demoralize the Ukrainian people by demolishing churches, which are easy targets since they are often unsecured and have considerable spiritual and cultural importance for communities.

Russian Orthodox Church officials have publicly proclaimed their support for the present war, using theological terms that may be seen as an indirect endorsement of the bloodshed. Furthermore, they cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, perhaps justifying the invasion.

The United States government has formally recognized Russia as a Country of Particular Concern. This move is in reaction to Russia's continued and persistent onslaught on religious freedom inside its borders.

In the latest move, Global Christian Relief has issued a bold statement calling on the world community to take action against Russia's military and church leaders. According to the organization, these leaders are responsible for what they regard as a battle against Christianity.