Moscow Patriarchate cleric faces eight years in prison for pro-Kremlin narratives discrediting Ukrainian defenders - SBU

The archpriest, who justified Russia’s armed aggression, glorified the invaders, and denied war crimes against Ukraine on his Facebook page, could face up to eight years in prison with property confiscation.

He also spread pro-Kremlin narratives to discredit the Ukrainian defenders, accusing them of preparing military provocations in Odesa, and calling the Azov Battalion “Nazis.”

His social media posts included numerous reposts with hostile slogans, photos, and videos from pro-Kremlin Internet resources.

During a search of the cleric’s residence, the SBU found banned symbols and a cell phone used to spread anti-Ukrainian agitation.

Examinations initiated by the SBU confirmed the criminal actions of the defendant, resulting in charges pertaining to the justification of Russian armed aggression against Ukraine and the glorification of its participants.

The investigation is ongoing to determine all the circumstances of the crime, and the decision on choosing a measure of restraint is yet to be made.

The SBU operation was conducted under the supervision of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office.