Attack on the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC): a mess in the Ministry of Culture or beastly grin of “neo-Stalinism”?

On January 17, Culture Minister Leonid Novokhatko denied that his department was putting pressure on the UGCC and considering legal action to liquidate it, Ukrainski Novyny news agency reported. The minister disowned letter signed by his deputy Tymofii Kokhan and warning that religious communities of the UGCC may be deprived of legal status through court action because they celebrated mass in Independence Square. Novokhatko alleged that he had been abroad since his birthday (January 11) and did not know the details of Ukrainian situation. “Firstly, the letter has nothing to do with any attempt whatsoever to liquidate the UGCC! Secondly, liquidation of any church in Ukraine now is …well, it is a total absurdity,” the minister declared. We find it difficult to disagree with his declaration. Liquidation of a church is no less absurd than appearance of this letter in the Ministry of Culture was in the first place. But recognition of the fact does not answer the main question: what will be the consequences of this absurdity?