Zelensky hails 'spiritual indepence' in vote to ban Russia-linked Orthodox Church

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday Kyiv's ban on Russian-linked religious organisations would boost his country's independence, over two years into Moscow's invasion that accelerated a religious fall-out between the neighbours.

"Today I want to note the work of the Verkhovna Rada. A law on our spiritual independence has been adopted," Zelensky said on social media, adding the government would "continue to strengthen Ukraine and our society."