In Kharkiv region, the SSU exposed another supporter of ruscism, who publicly justified russia’s armed aggression and occupiers’ war crimes.

The suspect is a clergyman of a religious community of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Izium district.

During the temporary occupation, the cleric voluntarily supported russian invaders and called on locals to ‘follow his example’.

He publicly stated that their religious community was exclusively subordinate to the russian Orthodox Church.

On his own initiative, the priest wrote a letter to the assistant to moscow patriarch Kirill, asking to send ‘humanitarian aid’ to the occupied area.

Subsequently, the enemy’s supporter used russian goods to ensure ‘loyalty’ of local population to the invaders.

The suspect also repeatedly spoke in front of the cameras of kremlin propagandists who visited then-occupied Izium.

In his comments, he discredited Ukrainian defenders, denied the facts of russia’s aggression and glorified ruscists killed in action.

Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators notified the cleric of suspicion under Article 436-2.3 of the CCU (justification of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine using the mass media).

Court is to choose a measure of restraint. The investigation is underway.

The offender is facing up to 8 years in prison.

The SSU Office in Kharkiv region carried out the operational and investigative activities jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Izium District Prosecutor’s Office.