OCU supporters seize UOC church in Boyarka, Kyiv region

On September 7, 2024, supporters of the OCU carried out a raider seizure of the Holy Protection Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Boyarka, Kyiv region. The invaders were guarded by representatives of the Volunteer Formation of the Territorial Community (VFTG), and the process of seizing the church was led by a local resident Vasyl Lilo, who is known for the attack on St. Michael’s Church of the UOC in Boyarka in May 2023. This was reported by the First Cossack Telegram channel.

It is reported that supporters of the OCU blocked the territory of the Holy Protection Church and did not allow believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to enter. The seizure process took place in the presence of the police, who did not prevent the raiders from breaking the locks on the front door of the church. During the conflict, tear gas was used against the UOC believers. The invaders did not allow the rector of the Intercession Church to enter the building.

As reported, on September 2, 2024, supporters of the OCU seized the Holy Dormition Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the city of Zolotonosha, Cherkasy region (Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC). According to available information, the raiders had previously surrounded the entire street to prevent the UOC believers from defending the church from seizure.