The Security Service of Ukraine has apprehended a rector of a church in Kharkiv diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of moscow patriarchate (UOC-MP), who is suspected of working for the enemy.

According to the investigation, the perpetrator provided information on the Defense Forces in the region to the invaders. Among other things, he tried to establish approximate numbers of Ukrainian personnel and weapons at checkpoints near Kharkiv.

The archpriest also tracked the movement of Ukrainian military equipment towards the front line.

The collected intelligence was transmitted to the aggressor via a messenger app as marks on Google maps and their detailed descriptions.

The occupiers planned to use these data to prepare missile and bomb attacks on Ukrainian units defending Kharkiv.

The SSU was proactive and uncovered the traitor at an early stage, documented his crimes and detained him.

According to the investigation, the 43-year-old cleric began performing enemy tasks in October 2024. He is a native of Melitopol, Ukraine, and lived in russia during 2009-2018.

After that, he came to Kharkiv and worked as an IT specialist at the diocesan administration of the UOC-MP and was appointed rector of a local church.

During the searches, a mobile phone with evidence, as well as russian rubles and kremlin awards, were seized from the suspect.

SSU investigators served the detainee a a notice of suspicion under Article 114-2.2 of the CCU (unauthorized dissemination of information on transfer, movement or location of the Armed Forces of Ukraine if they can be identified on the ground).

The suspect is in custody and faces 8 years in prison.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kharkiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.