Earlier, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Andriy Kovalenko, accused the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of terrorist acts against territorial centers for recruitment and social support. Kovalenko claims that Russia finances such actions through UOC parishes, and that members of the Church’s “security forces” are involved in the execution.
“This is a separate area of work”: Head of the Security Service of Ukraine talks about the number of criminal proceedings against priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
On June 23, 2025, Vasyl Malyuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine, held a briefing where he talked about how many criminal cases had been opened against clergymen of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The head of the SBU said that going after UOC priests is a “separate area of work” for the special service. This was reported by Liga.net.
“This is a separate area of work – the fight against ‘agents in cassocks’. The Constitution enshrines the principles of freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, and we respect that. But if they support the aggressor, then, of course, we document such individuals,” — Malyuk said.
According to him, in 174 criminal proceedings against priests of the UOC, 122 clergymen have already been notified of suspicion, and in 31 cases, a guilty verdict has been handed down.
“The presence of a cassock and a censer is not an aggravating circumstance, but it does not exempt them from criminal responsibility. And it does not give any indulgences. If they commit crimes against the foundations of national security or any other crimes, we qualify them in accordance with the current legislation and bring them to justice,” — said the head of the SBU.
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