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Ukrainian Priest Charged with Spreading Anti-Ukrainian Propaganda, Holding Millions in Cash
A 62-year-old priest from the Kharkiv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) has been charged with inciting national hatred and justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine, according to officials in Kharkiv.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claims the cleric systematically spread anti-Ukrainian narratives between March and July 2022, during a critical period of Russia’s invasion when Kharkiv was under heavy attack from Russian forces.
“In pro-Russian Telegram channels, the cleric left comments that demeaned Ukrainians, forming a contemptuous and stereotypically negative image of the people,” the SBU press service stated. “Moreover, in his posts he transmitted Kremlin propaganda theses.”
During searches of the priest’s residence, law enforcement officers discovered a significant amount of cash, including Russian rubles and other currencies, totaling the equivalent of 2.6 million Ukrainian hryvnias (approximately $95,000 USD).
“According to preliminary data, these funds could have been obtained as remuneration for carrying out information-subversive activity in favor of the aggressor state,” the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office said in an official statement.
The court has ordered the priest to remain in custody during the pre-trial investigation, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and potential flight risk.
Investigators have also uncovered evidence of potential additional criminal offenses that may have compromised Ukraine’s national security, including allegations that the priest shared unauthorized information about Ukrainian military positions.
“The pre-trial investigation has established signs of other criminal offenses directed against Ukraine’s state security, in particular the unauthorized dissemination of information about the locations of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” prosecutors noted. “The issue of additional legal qualification of the suspect’s actions will be decided during the investigation.”
If convicted, the priest faces a severe sentence of up to eight years in prison, potentially with confiscation of his property.
This case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate, which maintained ties to the Russian Orthodox Church until May 2022, when it declared independence following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Despite this declaration, Ukrainian authorities have conducted numerous raids on UOC MP churches and monasteries, discovering Russian propaganda materials and detaining clergy suspected of supporting Russian aggression.
The charges come amid broader efforts by Ukrainian authorities to counter Russian influence operations within religious institutions. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been particularly vigilant about potential fifth-column activities in regions close to the Russian border, such as Kharkiv, which has experienced some of the war’s heaviest fighting.
Religious communities have become increasingly polarized in Ukraine since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. The establishment of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2018, which received recognition from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, further divided Orthodox Christians in the country.
Ukrainian security services continue to monitor religious organizations for signs of Russian influence, with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration previously announcing measures to ensure religious organizations with connections to Russia cannot operate in a way that threatens national security.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine whether the priest was acting alone or as part of a larger network of Russian sympathizers within religious institutions.
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11 Comments
While I understand the complexities of religious and political allegiances, the dissemination of pro-Russian propaganda during an active conflict is unacceptable. The authorities must uphold the law and protect Ukraine’s national interests.
While freedom of speech and religion are important, they do not justify the spread of harmful disinformation, especially from those in positions of authority. I hope the justice system will handle this matter fairly and firmly.
Agreed. It’s crucial that Ukraine upholds the rule of law and democratic values, even in the face of external aggression and internal subversion. Transparent and impartial proceedings will be key.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating Russian-backed propaganda, even within Ukraine’s own religious institutions. The government must remain vigilant in identifying and addressing such subversive activities.
This case underscores the importance of maintaining a strong, unified front against Russian influence and disinformation efforts, even within Ukraine’s own institutions. I hope the authorities can address this issue swiftly and effectively.
Agreed. Ukraine must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and countering any attempts to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity, regardless of the source.
The discovery of significant cash holdings raises serious questions about potential financial motivations behind this priest’s pro-Russian propaganda. A thorough investigation is warranted to uncover the full truth of this matter.
This is a concerning case of a religious leader spreading harmful pro-Russian propaganda during a critical period of the war. Authorities must take a firm stance against such divisive rhetoric that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and unity.
Agreed. The discovery of significant cash holdings raises questions about the source and purpose of these funds. A thorough investigation is warranted to ensure transparency and accountability.
It’s disturbing to see a priest abusing his position of trust to spread disinformation and anti-Ukrainian sentiment. This type of propaganda can have dangerous real-world consequences, especially in a conflict zone.
Absolutely. The authorities are right to hold this individual accountable. Protecting the integrity of information during wartime is critical to preserving national unity and resilience.