The court hearing in the case of the Upper Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has been postponed until September

The hearing of the court case concerning the properties of the Upper Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has been officially postponed to September 29, 2026. The decision was made due to procedural violations that were identified, the main one being the failure to properly notify the monks, who are third parties in the proceedings.

The monastery’s attorney, Archpriest Nikita Chekman of the , explained that, despite the defense’s attempts to move for the recusal of the panel of judges, the hearing was postponed to resolve legal challenges regarding the procedure for summoning the parties. The proceedings took place in a tense atmosphere: aggressive individuals were present outside the courthouse, among whom radical activists were spotted.

During the incident, Attorney Chekman faced attempts to exert pressure on his professional activities. In particular, provocative materials were circulated about the defense attorney, which forced him to file a report with law enforcement authorities regarding interference in his professional activities (Article 397 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). In addition, scuffles involving provocateurs known from previous incidents took place in the court hallways, requiring police intervention to prevent direct conflict.