I regard the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to impose personal sanctions on me as persecution for my religious beliefs. There are no other reasons for sanctions.

For many years now, I have been placed under significant pressure because of my principled support for the canonical Orthodoxy in Ukraine and charitable assistance to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

I was naturalised as a citizen of Ukraine and am its proud patriot. I have always advocated for peace, preservation of Ukrainian statehood and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The businesses of which I am the founder make a significant contribution to the economy and defence capability of Ukraine.

The Constitution of Ukraine guarantees freedom of religion, and I exercise this right as a believer and protodeacon of the UOC - a legally recognized Church that unites millions of Ukrainian citizens.

I consider the sanctions as illegal persecution due to my religious beliefs and consistent support of the UOC, and I will appeal them in Ukrainian and international courts.