In Kyiv, the SSU neutralized a criminal organization engaged in information subversion commissioned by the FSB. The perpetrators produced and spun pro-kremlin narratives and provocative messages on a massive scale aiming at destabilizing the socio-political situation and inciting religious hatred in Ukraine.

As a result of the operation, the SSU identified over 15 members of the group, and four key figures have been detained. Among them is one of the chief priests of a Kyiv church of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who was an agent of the russian intelligence.

This is so far one of the largest FSB networks that has operated in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. It had a clear hierarchy and division of functions and was in constant communication with large russian media, which immediately picked up the ‘necessary’ content.

According to the investigation, the network’s coordinator in Ukraine was the cleric detained by the SSU. He was responsible for disseminating material that incited sectarian hatred and justified the aggressive war against Ukraine.

To do this, the ‘coordinator’ personally instructed his subordinates - other members who posed as ‘political experts’ and prepared provocative posts and videos.

This content was disseminated through dozens of controlled channels on Telegram and YouTube, as well as on Facebook pages and official websites of various UOC-MP dioceses.

Immediately after the publication of the ‘paid’ material, it was picked up by russian central TV channels and online media outlets to spread fakes about Ukraine.

Through these information attacks, the enemy hoped not only to undermine the socio-political situation in Ukraine, but also to discredit our country in the international arena, especially in the eyes of Western partners.

During the searches of the suspects’ homes in Kyiv, the SSU seized mobile phones and computer equipment used in the crimes against Ukraine.

Based on the evidence, four detained individuals and ten other members of the network have been notified of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law);
• 111-1.6 (collaboration);
• 28.4, 255.1, 255.2 (creation and participation in a criminal organization);
• 161.3 (incitement to religious hatred and enmity, committed by an organized group);
• 436-2.1, 436-2.2 (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine).

The court is to decide on measures of restraint. The investigation is ongoing.

The suspects face life imprisonment.

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