The SBU announced that it had placed a protodeacon of the Russian Orthodox Church under suspicion

The Security Service of Ukraine has officially announced that it suspects Seraphim Dubanov, a protodeacon of the Russian Orthodox Church and the director of the “Russian Format” choir, of wrongdoing. According to information provided by the security services, the cleric is accused of providing material support to Russian troops and engaging in ideological activities aimed at supporting the aggression against Ukraine.

According to investigators, since 2022, Dubanov has been involved in collecting and coordinating the logistics of military equipment for Russian Armed Forces units stationed in eastern Ukraine. It is alleged that the clergyman personally visited positions in the Luhansk region, delivering anti-drone guns, quadcopters, communications equipment, and gear. In addition, investigators have evidence that he entered into a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, taking on the position of assistant commander for work with the faithful.

In addition to providing material assistance, the protodeacon is accused of organizing performances by the “Russian Format” choir to boost the morale of the troops, as well as actively spreading propaganda on social media. Based on the evidence gathered, Dubanov’s actions have been classified under Part 3 of Article 110-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for liability for financing activities aimed at forcibly altering borders or seizing power.

As a reminder, we previously reported that the Cherkasy Regional Prosecutor’s Office announced that Aristarkh (Smirnov), head of the Kuzbass Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church, had been charged in absentia. The hierarch is accused of organizing fundraising and providing logistical support to Russian military units participating in hostilities on Ukrainian territory.