The Security Service of Ukraine has documented the anti-Ukrainian activities of two clerics of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church who head churches in Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia regions.

According to the investigation, they publicly praised putin, called for the seizure of Ukraine’s entire territory and spread anti-Semitic statements.

Both clerics disseminated enemy propaganda during communication with parishioners, as well as through their accounts on social media and messengers.

The protopriest of a church in Zhytomyr region has been declared a suspect for supporting the kremlin’s policy.

In his posts, he also humiliated the honour and dignity of the Jewish people.

Another perpetrator is a hieromonk of a church in Vinnytsia oblast who agitated for the seizure of Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine.

He repeatedly wrote about this in his comments under pro-kremlin posts in popular messengers.

The SSU-initiated examination confirmed that the clerics’ criminal actions were aimed at undermining the socio-political situation in Ukraine for russia’s benefit.

Mobile phones and computer equipment with evidence of the crimes were seized during searches.

SSU investigators have served both individuals notices of suspicion under three Articles of the CCU:

• 110.1, 110.2 (encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine);
• 161.1 (violation of equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, region, or religious beliefs);
• 436-2.2, 436-2.3 (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The investigation is ongoing. The suspects face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operations were conducted by SSU Offices in Vinnytsia and Zhytomyr regions under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor’s offices.