SBU accuses Russia of instigating seizures of churches in Ukraine

Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Viktor Kononenko

Such actions will make it possible to further incite violent confrontations and mass protests with the participation of believers. This opinion was expressed by the deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine Viktor Kononenko at a briefing on October 3 in Kiev, reports Interfax-Ukraine.

According to him, Russia’s plan is aimed at “creating the so-called controlled chaos. As the main directions today, we see incitement of interfaith enmity as a result of the possibility of Ukraine’s receiving the Tomos, as well as the organization of events of active influence in order to induce the Ukrainian leadership to concessions to the aggressor state and initiate peaceful negotiations on favourable terms.” 

In this case, the SBU is expecting "instigating the seizures of religious buildings of one of the confessions, allegedly by representatives of right-wing nationalist organizations, which will allow them to further inspire power confrontations and mass protests with the participation of believers".

As the UOJ reported, earlier the deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine Viktor Kononenko stated that interfaith conflicts and the seizures of churches in Ukraine were artificially created.

Read also

OCU "bishops" demand to exclude UOC from Transcarpathian Spiritual Council

The OCU is dissatisfied that the Interfaith Spiritual Council under the Transcarpathian RMA has not responded to their withdrawal from the organization.

In Kremenchuk, UOC believers defend their shrines from OCU's raid attempts

On September 19, representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine planned to seize the Assumption Cathedral and Holy Trinity Church.

Over 60 parishes of Orthodox Church of Moldova join Bessarabian Metropolis

According to those who have made this transition, the ROC is unrecognized in Moldova.

In Cherkasy, a prosecution witness testifies against Metropolitan Theodosiy

Metropolitan Theodosiy joined the court session via video link.

Patriarch of Jerusalem supports persecuted hierarchs of UOC

Patriarch Theophilos expressed concern over the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

MP Kniazhytsky: UOC has no right to declare autocephaly

The parliamentarian believes that the UOC can exist as a non-canonical structure after breaking ties with Russia.