EN
After the Union of Brest (1596) the Orthodox Ruthenians (Belorussians and Ukrainians) were in a difficult situation. In spite of the discrimination determined by religious reasons, during the Time of Troubles they proved themselves to be loyal citizens of the Commonwealth. Many of them were fighting together with the False Dmitry, and then joined the forces of the Polish King Sigismund III Vasa and the royal prince Ladislaus (Władysław). The involvement in that conflict – regarded in Russia as a religious war – increased for many years the distance between the Orthodox Ruthenians and the Orthodox Russians.