In Vinnytsia, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) exposed a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) who supported Russiaʼs armed aggression. Itʼs about the abbot of the Kalyniv monastery.
This was reported by the SBU press service.
The investigation established that the priest praised Putin, called to support the occupiers, and spread Russian narratives in the Telegram channel for believers of the religious community. SBU examination confirmed this.
During the search of his residence, law enforcement officers seized the equipment he used to spread Russian propaganda.
The figure in the case was informed of suspicion for justifying the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. He faces up to 8 years in prison. Currently, the priest is under 24-hour house arrest.
- On August 20, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine banned the activities of religious organizations connected to Russia on the territory of Ukraine. The law enters into force 30 days after its publication. At the same time, the UOC MP communities will have 9 months to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.
- Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 100 UOC MP priests have been involved in criminal cases.
Author: Iryna Perepechko