The religious situation in the occupied territory of Donetsk region (2014–2021)
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Abstract
The main goal of the study presented by the authors is to systematically analyze the dynamics of the religious situation and its impact on the population of the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk region in the period from 2014 to 2021. When analyzing the religious situation in the occupied territory, it should be borne in mind that after the beginning of the armed conflict in the Donetsk region, the territory under the control of anti-Ukrainian forces has been constantly changing. The study of the peculiarities of religious processes in the Donetsk region in the light of occupation influences reveals not only aspects of politics and socio-cultural dynamics, but also outlines the importance of religion in maintaining religious identity and perception of society in the context of conflict and tense socio-political ties.
Scientific novelty. Based on the factual material, the article analyzes the peculiarities of the religious situation in the Donetsk region after its partial seizure as a result of the Russian occupation from 2014 to 2021.
Conclusions. The study confirms that as a result of military aggression, a significant number of religious organizations that functioned in the Donetsk region before the war began have become de facto “hostages” in the temporarily occupied territory, where the Ukrainian government is unable to exercise its constitutional powers. The researchers state that from the first days of their stay in power in the occupied territory of Donetsk region, pro-Russian leaders declared their desire to fight for the establishment of the “Russian world” and the establishment of Russian ideological ideals in society, imposing their own social and spiritual values on the Ukrainian people. The authors note that the situation in the religious environment is determined by the multi-confessional nature of the Donetsk region. It is argued that the position of religious denominations in relation to the local administration plays a key role in the ability to carry out their activities in the occupied territories.
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References
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