US Ambassador to NATO Demands Protections for UOC in Peace Talks
"Whatever this agreement may be—whether it's the protection of Russian churches in Ukraine or Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine—I think there is now a foundation for this," Amb. Whitaker said.
WASHINGTON, DC — On September 9, 2025, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker addressed potential peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine during an appearance on Fox News' "The Big Weekend Show." Whitaker stressed the need for any agreement to include protections for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which he incorrectly referred to as the "Russian Church," and the rights of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine.
Whitaker underscored that security guarantees for Ukraine are a critical component of any peace deal. "Whatever this agreement may be—whether it's the protection of Russian churches in Ukraine or Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine—I think there is now a foundation for this," he stated.
The ambassador highlighted President Donald Trump's role in encouraging both parties to engage in negotiations. "President Trump continues to urge both sides to negotiate and is trying to work out an agreement and reach a peace treaty because we must stop the killing," Whitaker said.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Whitaker noted that sufficient dialogue has taken place to establish a basis for a potential agreement.
Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has filed a lawsuit against the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC, seeking its deregistration.
