The head of the Russian Orthodox Church says he could become a Ukrainian citizen and spend more time here in an effort to maintain religious influence over this Western-leaning former Soviet neighbor.
Patriarch Kirill’s office released the statements Wednesday as he was concluding a marathon 10-day trip to Ukraine.
Observers say the visit is aimed at reasserting Moscow’s dominance over this strategic country and hampering Kiev’s efforts to win recognition for a local Orthodox Church that would be independent from Moscow.
Kirill conceded that the Moscow Patriarchate was also to blame for the split among the Ukrainian Orthodox believers. He said he favored the idea of spending half a year in Russia and half a year in Ukraine if he was in good health.
