Interfaith Dialogue as a Tool for Peace-Building in Modern Ukraine (2014-2024)

The purpose of this study was to identify the role of interfaith cooperation in Ukraine in strengthening social cohesion, preventing conflicts, and maintaining civil peace in times of war, religious diversity, and humanitarian crises. The study included an analysis of documents, public statements, and initiatives of the key institutions involved in interfaith cooperation at the national and regional levels, as well as a comparative analysis of relevant international practices. The findings of the study confirmed that interfaith cooperation in Ukraine has a clear multi-level structure: at the national level, it is coordinated by the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations (UCCRO), which forms the regulatory and moral framework for cooperation, ensuring a unified position of religious communities on issues of peace, human rights, support for internally displaced persons, and humanitarian aid. At the regional level, interfaith cooperation is implemented through a network of local councils and initiatives, including active councils in Lviv, Zakarpattia, Dnipro, and Odesa regions. They coordinate volunteer and educational projects, promote the integration of displaced persons, and the development of interethnic dialogue. The study also analysed the international practices of Northern Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia, which demonstrated sustainable models of cooperation between Christian denominations in the context of post-conflict transformation. The data obtained revealed that interfaith dialogue in Ukraine not only strengthens the humanitarian resilience of society but also helps to build trust between communities. At the same time, a series of barriers were identified, including a lack of legal regulation, limited funding, and fragmented coordination at the local level. The findings of this study can be used to improve state policy in interfaith cooperation, develop innovative mechanisms to support peacekeeping initiatives, and adapt international practices to strengthen interreligious cooperation in Ukraine.