In occupied parts of Ukraine, non-Orthodox churches are being forced to close their doors. This is what Release International, an organization that supports persecuted Christians worldwide, is warning about.

At least three Protestant churches in Melitopol and two churches in Mariupol, one of the largest cities in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, were reportedly involved. It is not entirely clear whether it is the Russian military or pro-Russian rebels forcing the churches to close. In any case, it would be non-Orthodox churches that are being closed.

One of the churches that was closed is Grace Baptist Church in Melitopol. The troops invaded there even during the service. The service was broadcast on the Internet, but that recording has since been removed.