"Right Sector" journalist who filmed seizures of UOC churches claims she was attacked by believers

On April 8, in the village of Verkhni Stanivtsi in the Chernivtsi region, during another conflict surrounding the attempted seizure of a Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) temple, a journalist from Kolomyia, Diana Lavryk, claimed she was allegedly attacked by parishioners. According to her, she arrived at the St. Nicholas Church at the invitation of OCU activists to «cover» the first service after the church had been taken over. This was reported by the Institute of Mass Information.

Lavryk, known for her sympathies toward radical groups, particularly the “Right Sector,” has repeatedly been spotted at the sites of raider takeovers of UOC religious properties. Under the guise of journalistic activity, she accompanies provocateurs and helps spread one-sided narratives of the events.

According to her own account, UOC believers “attacked” her despite her stating that she was a journalist. She claims she was beaten with sticks, dragged by her hair, and later tear gas from fire extinguishers was used inside the church. However, there is currently no objective confirmation of these claims.

“When we entered the church with the priests and parishioners, attackers appeared — with batons and pepper spray,” Lavryk alleges. “They threatened us. Stones and sand were thrown our way, angry people were beating us with sticks.” She also adds: “I stood to the side, recorded the events on video, clearly and loudly said I was a journalist. I was hit, dragged by my hair…”

She further claims, “they sprayed gas from fire extinguishers into the church,” and afterwards she “was beaten again, had her press credentials torn off, and her equipment was nearly taken away.” Lavryk also added: “They beat everyone until we left the church grounds… I won’t go back there — I fear for my life.”

It is worth noting that the provocative presence of OCU representatives, led by “chaplain” Roman Hryshchuk and the aforementioned journalist, occurred without the consent of the UOC religious community. The community has repeatedly reported provocations by activists operating under the guise of “journalists” and “chaplains.”

As a reminder, on April 12, 2025, another attempt to forcibly seize a Ukrainian Orthodox Church temple took place in the village of Verkhni Stanivtsi, Chernivtsi region. According to eyewitnesses, the operation was led by the well-known OCU “chaplain” Roman Hryshchuk.