Ukrainian Security Service Charges Donetsk Metropolitan for Spreading Disinformation

Ukrainian authorities have intensified their investigation into a prominent religious figure accused of spreading Russian propaganda in a frontline region, marking a significant development in the ongoing effort to counter disinformation amid the war.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced new charges against a Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) from the Donetsk region. The cleric, identified as the abbot of the Holy Dormition Lavra in Sviatohirsk according to the Office of the Prosecutor General, is accused of denying Russian war crimes and disseminating false information about Ukrainian defense forces.

Investigators documented that during a liturgical service in spring 2022, the Metropolitan publicly denied Russian involvement in the heavy artillery bombardment of the region, despite extensive evidence of damaged churches and civilian casualties. This denial came as the Donetsk region faced some of the most intense fighting and bombardment in the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

According to the SBU, the cleric went beyond denial and actively justified Russia’s military aggression while spreading disinformation about Ukrainian soldiers defending the country’s eastern territories. These actions have resulted in charges under Part 1 and Part 3 of Article 436-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which specifically addresses the justification, denial, or glorification of Russian military aggression against Ukraine.

The court has ordered the Metropolitan’s detention as the investigation proceeds. If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to eight years and confiscation of his property.

This case represents the second set of charges against the same religious leader. Earlier investigations by the SBU had already exposed the cleric for unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information regarding Ukrainian military movements and positions. That previous case has completed the pre-trial investigation phase, with materials already forwarded to the court for prosecution.

Prosecutors have revealed more specific details about the Metropolitan’s alleged activities, noting that in May and June 2022, he made public statements not only denying Russian military aggression but also placing blame on Ukrainian Armed Forces for the deaths of religious personnel—including several clergymen and a nun—and for the destruction of church properties in the region.

The case highlights the complex intersection of religion and politics in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion. The UOC-MP has faced increasing scrutiny from Ukrainian authorities due to its historical ties to Moscow. While many parishes and clergy of the UOC-MP have declared their loyalty to Ukraine and condemned the Russian invasion, Ukrainian security services have identified multiple instances where church representatives allegedly collaborated with Russian forces or spread narratives aligned with Russian propaganda.

The Ukrainian government has taken legislative steps to restrict religious organizations with connections to Russia, viewing them as potential vectors for hostile influence operations. These measures have been controversial, with critics raising concerns about religious freedom while supporters argue they represent necessary security precautions during wartime.

The Donetsk region, where the cleric operated, remains one of the most contested and heavily damaged areas in Ukraine, with large portions under Russian occupation and ongoing military operations causing civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure, including religious sites.