The SSU is carrying out counterintelligence (security) measures at the entities of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Zhytomyr, Rivne and Zakarpattia regions.

The measures are held at the following locations:

• St. Nicholas Monastery, Khust Diocese of the UOC-MP in Transcarpathia;
• St. Anastasia Stauropegial Convent (Zhytomyr);
• Skete of the St. Anastasia Stauropegial Convent (Zhytomyr district);
• Skete of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God of the Athos Icon of the Mother of God Stauropegial Convent (Chopovychi, Zhytomyr district);
• Rivne-Ostroh Diocese, Gorodok Convent, St. George’s Yard, Church of All Volyn Saints, Holy Resurrection Church, Holy Dormition Church (Rivne region).

The measures are conducted jointly with the National Police and the National Guard as part of the SSU’s systemic efforts to counter subversive activities of russian special services in Ukraine.

Given russia’s armed aggression, these actions are taken, among other things, to prevent the use of religious communities as centers of the ‘russian world’ and to protect population from provocations and terrorist attacks.

With the direct participation of church representatives, law enforcement officers are inspecting the territory and premises (including hotel-type) to identify persons who may be involved in unlawful activities to the detriment of Ukraine’s state sovereignty and items prohibited for circulation.

All actions are carried out in accordance with the law.

We emphasize once again: the SSU acts exclusively within the Constitution of Ukraine and current legislation and respects the right of every citizen to freedom of religion and worldview.