Ukraine: SBU investigates over 170 cases of treason and incitement brought against UOC priests

The Security Service of Ukraine is investigating over 170 cases involving priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for treason and inciting hatred. This statement was made by Vasyl Maliuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, during an interview with the We-Ukraine TV channel, as reported by Ukrinform. "If I am not mistaken, there are more than 170 ongoing cases involving over 100 suspects and 31 convictions as of a week ago. There are additional suspects since one more persons was detained in Zaporizhia. It is important to clarify that not all of these individuals are traitors to the state. There are also cases related to incitement of interracial and interreligious hatred. It should be understood that we are definitely not against the church. I identify as a believer, and if a person sincerely believes in God, there is nothing wrong with that," Maliuk stated.

He further emphasized that if an individual commits a crime while using their religious status, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) will take action: “We will definitely act according to the law. This is an ongoing area of work, and we are continuing it.” The head of the SBU pointed out that Onufriy, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), was recently stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship, along with 18 priests before him. "When we had a complete set of evidence confirming his Russian citizenship, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to strip him of his Ukrainian citizenship. It seemed very strange when it was later communicated that he did not possess Russian citizenship. We know he had it, and he also tacitly confirmed this," Maliuk said regarding Onufriy. On July 2, the President of Ukraine signed a decree terminating the Ukrainian citizenship of Orest Berezovsky, better known as Onufriy, the head of the UOC. 

The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience ordered the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate to rectify violations of the law on freedom of conscience and religious organizations regarding their noted affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church by August 18. (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 13. August 2025)