Priest charged with treason for directing missile strikes on civilian targets in Odesa

SBU revealed that Russian forces used the priest's coordinates to strike the port city’s recreational zone with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles.

"The first missile hit residential buildings and other civil infrastructure in the city, where the informant believed military personnel might be located," SBU reported.

"A second strike was carried out on the same location just as emergency services arrived at the scene."

Following the attack, the suspect "reported" the results of the attack to his Russian handlers and then "went underground" to avoid detection.

Investigations revealed that the priest first drew the attention of Russian intelligence by posting pro-Kremlin comments on Telegram channels. After being recruited, he scouted the city to mark the geolocation of potential "targets" on maps, transmitting the data via a Russian chat-bot.

It was also established that the priest provided the Russians with the coordinates of Ukrainian air defense assets and information regarding an electrical substation near Odesa, including details on its protection systems. After a Russian strike on the energy facility, he informed Russian intelligence about the damage sustained.

SBU agents detained the UOC-MP priest at his residence. A search of his home yielded the smartphone he used to collect intelligence and communicate with the GRU.

Investigators have charged him under Part 2 of Article 111 (high treason committed under martial law) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He is now in custody without the possibility of bail and faces a potential life sentence with confiscation of property.

On March 15, 2024, Russian forces carried out missile strikes on Odesa, resulting in 21 deaths and leaving 74 people injured.