The DESS initiated a study of the Korets Women's Monastery to investigate its ties to the Russian Orthodox Church

The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) announced the start of an investigation into the “possible links” between the Holy Trinity Korets Women’s Stavropegic Monastery and a “religious organization banned in Ukraine.” The investigation is reported to begin on July 28. This is stated on the DESS website.

«From July 28, 2025, a research group formed in accordance with the order of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience No. N-65/11 of May 13, 2025, will begin studying the possible links between the Korets Holy Trinity Women’s Stavropegic Monastery of the Moscow Patriarchate and a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited on the territory of Ukraine. The DESS acts exclusively within the framework of current legislation and with respect for religious freedom. At the same time, any signs of foreign influence or subordination in the context of prohibited structures will be thoroughly investigated, and the results will be publicly presented to society,» — the State Service said in a statement.

We will remind you that during searches conducted at the Korets Monastery on June 25, 2025, investigators recommended that the nuns change their jurisdictional affiliation. The Korets Holy Trinity Stavropegic Convent is the only one in Ukraine that is part of the Russian Orthodox Church and is directly subordinate to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.