When the uniform peeks out from under the cassock: clergy of the UOC (MP) under investigation

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is actively taking measures to expose Moscow clergy who support the war and aid the enemy. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 180 criminal proceedings have already been opened against priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, including 23 bishops.

SBU Head Vasyl Malyuk noted, “If a uniform is visible from under the cassock, where is the place for God?”

Most priests are suspected of justifying the war, treason, collaboration, and supporting the aggressor. More than 100 priests have been questioned, and 38 of them have been found guilty in court. Some of the clergy had Russian passports, which further complicates their status. Russian special services especially value their agents among the clergy: for one priest of the UOC (MP), more than ten prisoners of war can be handed over to Ukraine.

Among the high-profile cases are priests who openly justified Russian aggression, spread propaganda, called for the seizure of Ukrainian territories, and participated in espionage, including adjusting fire on Ukrainian troops. Such cases were recorded in Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhia, and other regions. During searches, mobile phones, computer equipment, ammunition, and cold weapons were seized from the priests. Some of them have already become the subject of trials with possible sentences of up to 10 or 12 years in prison.

In addition to crimes related to state treason, the SBU also uncovered corruption schemes in church activities, including the illegal appropriation of church property. In 2025, control was strengthened, and searches were conducted in 19 churches of the UOC-MP in different regions to detect subversive activities.

In addition:

Seven high-ranking clergymen of the UOC-MP were sanctioned for their ties to Russia.
On April 15, searches were conducted at the metropolitan office of the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC-MP.
Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church has spoken out against the celebration of Valentine’s Day, emphasizing its Western origin.