The State Security Service (SBU) of Ukraine has charged a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) in occupied Luhansk Oblast with collaborating with Russia’s proxy authorities in the region. The priest is accused of providing precious gold and silver items for decorating the premises of dioceses as well as making jewelry badges for occupation forces and Russia’s Security Service (FSB). It is alleged that the priest expanded his jewellery business in Ukraine’s occupied territories following Russia’s full-scale invasion and re-registered his business in accordance with Russian legislation, paying taxes to the Russian-proxy authorities. The accused was charged under Ukraine’s Criminal Code for “collaborative activity”.
Ukraine has long accused the Moscow Patriarchate’s representatives in Ukraine of serving as an arm of the Kremlin’s propaganda in the ongoing war. Some lower-ranking clergymen have also been convicted of directly assisting Russian troops. In response to these allegations and concerns, Ukraine’s parliament passed a bill on August 20 that bans activities of religious organizations with ties to Russia, particularly targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. This move has been wrongly misrepresented by pro-Kremlin actors as a “ban on Christianity”, when in reality it is aimed at forcing the UOC-MP to sever all ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.
The priest who has been charged with collaborating with Russia’s proxy authorities also works as a jeweller in occupied Luhansk. Besides providing items for decorating dioceses and making jewelry badges for occupation forces, the accused has allegedly expanded his business in various parts of Ukraine’s occupied territories. The SBU claims that the priest re-registered his business in accordance with Russian legislation in the occupied territory and has been paying taxes to the Russian-proxy authorities. The charges against the priest highlight the complex and sensitive nature of the conflict in Ukraine, where religious institutions are also being used as tools of influence and collaboration by external actors.
The legislation passed by Ukraine’s parliament is part of a broader effort to cut ties with Moscow and assert Ukraine’s independence in the face of Russian aggression and occupation. By targeting religious organizations with ties to Russia, the Ukrainian government aims to weaken the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country and assert Ukrainian sovereignty over religious matters. The bill has been met with controversy and backlash, especially from pro-Kremlin actors who have spun it as an attack on Christianity. However, the primary goal of the legislation is to sever the connections between the UOC-MP and the Russian Orthodox Church, thereby reducing Moscow’s influence in Ukrainian religious affairs.
The case of the priest charged with collaborating with Russia’s proxy authorities sheds light on the complex dynamics at play in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. Religious institutions, including the Orthodox Church, have been used as tools of influence and propaganda by both sides of the conflict. The allegations against the priest underscore the extent to which external actors, such as Russia, have sought to exploit religious institutions for their own political and military goals in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government’s response, including the passage of legislation targeting religious organizations with ties to Russia, reflects its determination to assert sovereignty and independence in the face of external interference.
Supporting independent journalism in Ukraine is crucial in order to stay informed about the developments in the country, including the charges against the priest and the broader implications of the conflict. Joining the fight for independent journalism in Ukraine can help shed light on the complexities of the situation and provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges facing the country. By supporting independent media outlets, individuals can contribute to the efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and truth in a region that is often marred by disinformation and propaganda. Together, we can help ensure that the voices of those affected by the conflict in Ukraine are heard and that the truth is upheld in the face of external interference and manipulation.
