On April 29, 2026, a working meeting was held between representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) and senior government officials, including Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Olena Kovalska, Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) Viktor Yelensky, and Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Mykola Trofymenko.

The participants discussed a range of issues, with particular attention given to the preparation and organization of the National Prayer Breakfast in 2026. They also reviewed the current status of implementing regulatory acts concerning the reservation (deferment) of clergy, the state recognition of diplomas issued by theological educational institutions, as well as other matters of mutual interest.

Olena Kovalska briefed participants on the organization of this year’s National Prayer Breakfast, held under the patronage of the President of Ukraine, and engaged in a substantive exchange with UCCRO representatives regarding key organizational aspects, taking into account the experience of previous years.

The meeting further addressed issues related to the state recognition of theological education diplomas, including the work of the relevant commission under the Ministry of Education and Science. Participants noted the constructive cooperation between the Ministry and its Public Council for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Organizations.

Viktor Yelensky provided updates on ongoing efforts to review the list of religious organizations designated as critical infrastructure, as well as on the reservation (deferment) of certain categories of clergy. He also responded to questions raised by UCCRO representatives, including those concerning the deferment of clergy engaged in providing spiritual care to Ukrainian refugees.

UCCRO representatives, in turn, informed government officials about upcoming ceremonial events planned jointly with the Ukrainian Bible Society for the summer of this year.

The meeting was also attended by First Deputy Head of DESS Viktor Voinalovych, along with other representatives of the Office of the President of Ukraine, DESS, and the Ministry of Education and Science.