Baptist pastor faces expulsion from Russian-occupied Ukraine

The Rev. Vladimir Rytikov faces expulsion from his birthplace in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine after authorities accused him of “illegal missionary activity” and cancelled his residence permit, a rights watchdog reports.

Officials from the Russian-controlled Migration Service arrived at Rytikov’s home in Krasnodon (Sorokyne), Luhansk Oblast on March 21 and told him they had annulled his permit and that he must leave within two weeks, according to Forum 18.

The rights monitor reported that authorities suggested he leave for another country, including Poland.

Rytikov has led a Council of Churches Baptist congregation in the city for about 30 years.

“I was born here and have lived here for [nearly] 67 years, now I’m being driven out,” he told Forum 18.

Authorities based their decision on his leadership of an unregistered Baptist congregation. Courts have repeatedly fined him under Russian Administrative Code Article 5.26 for conducting “missionary activity.”

Officials intensified pressure earlier in March. On March 9, acting police chief Aleksei Mikhailovsky summoned Rytikov to appear at a police station on March 19 to face charges. On March 11, three officers went to his home and demanded that he go immediately. When he refused and pointed to the summons date, officers grabbed him and forced him into a car without his identity documents before preparing a case against him, according to Forum 18.

Migration officials later confirmed that authorities had annulled his residence permit on Feb. 11. They warned that they would deport him if he refused to leave within the required period. Officials claimed that Rytikov, whom they classify as a foreign citizen, posed a threat to Russia’s constitutional order and security.

Rytikov said officials monitor his communications, telling Forum 18, “My telephone is surveilled and listened to.”

Despite the pressure, Rytikov and his wife, Lyudmila, who still holds a valid residence permit, have decided to remain in their home for now.

“The Lord saw fit for me to perform a ministry in Krasnodon,” he said.

Authorities have repeatedly targeted the congregation he leads. Police and military officers, some carrying automatic weapons, raided a Sunday worship service on Jan. 25 and accused members of meeting illegally without state registration. Officers detained and interrogated Rytikov, Forum 18 reported.

“They said that if we don’t register, they’ll come to every service and stop it taking place,” he said at the time.

Council of Churches Baptists refuse to register with state authorities on principle, which often brings them into conflict with Russian laws that restrict religious activity without official permission.

Other Baptist leaders in Russian-occupied Ukraine have faced similar penalties. Courts have fined pastors, raided services, and opened cases against those who continue to lead unregistered congregations.

Forum 18 reported that officials contacted in Krasnodon and Luhansk did not respond to requests for comment on Rytikov’s case.