Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced the Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act on Apr. 23. The bipartisan and bicameral legislation aims to expose and punish Russia’s systematic persecution of religious communities in Ukraine and Russian-occupied territories.
The bill is significant because it addresses concerns about human rights violations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It requires the Secretaries of State and Defense to report jointly on Russia’s actions against faith communities and directs the President to impose sanctions on foreign individuals found responsible for these abuses.
“Russia’s war in Ukraine is not only an assault on sovereignty—it is a calculated, systemic assault on religious freedom. For Americans, the freedom to worship is among our most fundamental liberties, and we do not stand by when it is crushed by force. This legislation ensures these crimes are documented, perpetrators are identified, and real consequences follow. Peace through strength requires accountability, and the persecution of people of faith cannot be met with silence,” said Fitzpatrick.
Other lawmakers supporting the bill include Representatives Joe Wilson, Marcy Kaptur, Don Bacon, Mike Quigley, Steve Cohen in the House; Senators John Kennedy and Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Wilson said: “Russia targets and kills persons of faith as a matter of policy wherever it invades… Believers in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are targeted with particular ferocity. It is critical that we counter Russia’s War on Faith.”
Cohen added: “Putin is a war criminal conducting genocide in Ukraine… This legislation makes plain that these human rights violations will be a focus of our foreign policy and that the United States will always defend religious liberty.” Kaptur highlighted historical context: “Russia’s widespread religious persecution in Ukraine dates back centuries… These new attacks are a shameful reminder of Russian pogroms.” Bacon stated: “Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act will ensure we fully document these abuses.” Quigley emphasized holding perpetrators accountable: “I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Wilson’s Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act to make it clear that those who burn churches… will be held accountable.” Senator Kennedy said: “Religious liberty is not a suggestion in America – it’s one of our founding promises protected by the Constitution…” Whitehouse called for action against those committing abuses.
Since 2022, more than 600 places of worship have been damaged or destroyed during Russia’s invasion according to information from Fitzpatrick’s office; over 50 Ukrainian clergy members have been killed; non-aligned Christian groups as well as Jewish and Muslim communities have faced raids or prosecution; Patriarch Kirill has called this invasion a “holy war.”
Fitzpatrick has represented Pennsylvania’s 1st district since replacing Mike Fitzpatrick in 2017 according to Ballotpedia. He was born in Philadelphia in 1973 at age 49 he lives currently lives Levittown according to his official biography. He graduated from La Salle University with a BS degree before earning his JD from Pennsylvania State University (Carlisle) according to his official biography.
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Fitzpatrick has also led efforts such as his Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act which would impose sweeping sanctions until hostilities cease under terms accepted by both sides.
