The SSU has collected evidence against the sanctioned metropolitan of Luhansk diocese of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church Vasyl Povorozniuk, who is cooperating with the russian invaders in the temporarily occupied city.

According to the investigation, the cleric arrived in the kremlin in September 2022 to participate in the ceremony of the so-called ‘accession’ of the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine to russia.

There, he supported the aggressive war against our country and the seizure of part of Ukrainian territory, including Luhansk oblast.

In May 2022, Povorozniuk took part in a round table held in Luhansk under the leadership of gauleiter Pasichnyk. Infront of the cameras of russian TV channels, the church official, together with Kadyrov’s adviser, advocated the adoption of a ‘resolution’ that spread fakes about Ukrainian soldiers and the situation at the front.

During numerous interviews with kremlin propagandists, the cleric glorified the occupiers and called for the continuation of the war against Ukraine.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators notified Povorozniuk of suspicion under Article 111-2.1 of the CCU (aiding the aggressor state).

Earlier, at the SSU’s request, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine imposed sanctions on the metropolitan.

The suspect is hiding from prosecution in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region; efforts are underway to bring him to justice.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Chernihiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor’s office.