The SSU serves a suspicion notice to a cleric of the Ovruch-Korosten diocese.
Zhytomyr region, Ukraine – The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has served a notice of suspicion to a cleric of the Ovruch-Korosten Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) who actively promoted pro-Russian sentiments and justified Russia’s war against Ukraine. This is stated in the press service of the SSU, according to the TimeUkraineIsrael portal.
Pro-Russian propaganda during sermons
According to the case file, immediately after the start of the full-scale invasion, the clergyman not only tried to impose pro-Russian views on his parishioners during sermons, but also posted on social media posts justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine. In his publications, the Russian invasion was presented as a “civil conflict”, and the war crimes of the occupiers were not only silenced, but also directly justified.
Denigration of religious views of other faiths
The priest publicly humiliated the religious beliefs of believers of other faiths, and openly called for support for the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which actively promotes Russian aggression. Moreover, the cleric recorded his anti-Ukrainian statements on video and posted them on Facebook, spreading destructive ideas among Ukrainians.
Evidence of anti-Ukrainian activities
The SSU’s examinations confirmed the facts of the offender’s information and subversive activities aimed at supporting the aggression of the occupying country.
Suspicion and possible consequences
Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators served the cleric a notice of suspicion of committing crimes under Articles 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (justification, recognition of the lawfulness, denial of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants). The offender faces imprisonment for up to 8 years.
The investigation is ongoing
The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the offence. Investigative and operational activities are conducted with the support of the Zhytomyr Region Prosecutor’s Office.
TimeUkraineIsrael emphasises the importance of combating anti-Ukrainian propaganda that promotes hostile intervention and continues to monitor the investigation into this high-profile case.
