The SSU has completed counterintelligence (security) measures at the facilities of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kyiv and Kherson regions.

As a result of these activities, the law enforcement found 16 suspicious persons in Pustynno-Mykolayivskyi Skete located in the closed Chernobyl zone.

Among them are men of athletic build, who were at the facility illegally as civilians can’t stay in the exclusion zone. Through this area, ruscists tried to break to Kyiv in February-March this year.

Currently, reports on administrative offences under Article 46-1 of the Code of Administrative Offences (violation of safety requirements in areas subjected to radioactive contamination) have been drawn up against them. Their involvement in crimes against state security is being checked.

In the attic of the same facility, the SSU found a camouflage net, which is usually used for military purposes: to conceal weapons, equipment and engineering structures.

In the premises of Kherson diocese, the SSU found a rifle without relevant permits, a flag and a golden coat of arms of russia.

The SSU is also looking into information on several clergymen, who are probably in contact with russian and belarusian citizens.

During the inspection, the law enforcement found propaganda material glorifying the aggressor state.

We emphasize that the SSU adheres to the principle of impartiality to any religious denomination and respects the right of every citizen to freedom of worldview and religion, as defined by the Constitution of Ukraine.

The security measures were carried out in accordance with the current legislation together with the National Police and volunteer formations of territorial communities with direct participation of the UOC-MP representatives.