On January 27, 2025, Vitalii Kryushenko, a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, began serving a three-year prison sentence for refusing military service based on his religious beliefs. He is the first Jehovah’s Witness to be incarcerated for conscientious objection since the war between Ukraine and Russia began in February 2022.
Article 35 of Ukraine’s Constitution states that “everyone has the right to freedom of personal philosophy and religion.” It also guarantees alternative civilian service for individuals with religious objections to military duty. Article 35 continues, “No one shall be relieved of his or her duties before the State or refuse to perform the laws for reasons of religious beliefs. In the event that the performance of military duty is contrary to the religious beliefs of a citizen, the performance of the is duty shall be replaced by alternative (non-military) service.”
Despite being protected by Ukraine’s own constitution, Kryushenko was convicted of evading military service. After receiving a military summons in April 2024, he formally requested alternative civilian service, but in July 2024, a court found him guilty and sentenced him to prison. His appeal was later rejected by the Sumy Court of Appeals.
Jehovah’s Witnesses, headquartered in Warwick, New York, maintain a position of political neutrality and refuse military service worldwide. While many countries that helps Ukraine with military aid, including the United States, recognize and protect this right, Ukraine is in the process of prosecuting over 700 members of the faith for their refusal to serve in the military.
In Jacksonville, Florida, a couple engaged in Jehovah’s Witnesses’ public ministry commented on why members of their faith would choose to face prison instead of serving in the military. They stated, “A Ukrainian Witness would never go kill a Russian Witness, and vice versa, because they are brothers in faith like Christ Jesus taught.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia have faced similar treatment, with 138 currently imprisoned under laws classifying their faith as extremist. According to the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ official website, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights affirms the right to freedom of conscience and religion.
It’s interesting how both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin have taken action against Jehovah’s Witnesses for following their religious beliefs. While Zelenskyy has appealed for international financial and military aid, his government has denied its own citizens the right to conscientious objection—an approach that mirrors Russia’s ongoing crackdown on the same religious group.
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