A clergyman of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was detained in Kharkiv for humiliating Ukrainians on social media and justifying Russia's war against Ukraine. During searches, law enforcement officers seized evidence of his illegal activities and over UAH 2.6 million, allegedly received for propaganda in favor of the aggressor state. This was reported by the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, writes UNN.
According to the investigation, from March to July 2025, a clergyman of one of the religious communities of the Kharkiv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) systematically disseminated anti-Ukrainian narratives. In pro-Russian Telegram channels, the cleric left comments in which he humiliated Ukrainians, forming a contemptuous and stereotypically negative image of the Ukrainian people.
In addition, in his posts, he broadcast Kremlin propaganda theses, in particular, stating that "Kharkiv has always been, is, and will be a Russian city," effectively justifying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
During searches in the UOC religious building where the cleric lived, law enforcement officers seized a mobile phone with evidence of illegal activities, as well as cash in Russian rubles and other currencies totaling over UAH 2.6 million. According to preliminary data, these funds could have been received as remuneration for carrying out information-subversive activities in favor of the aggressor state.
Law enforcement officers detained the clergyman.
Under the procedural guidance of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, he was notified of suspicion under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- Part 1 of Article 161 - intentional actions aimed at inciting national enmity and hatred;
- Parts 2, 3 of Article 436-2 - production and dissemination of materials containing justification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, committed repeatedly.
At the request of the prosecution, the court chose a preventive measure for the suspect in the form of detention.
Also, during the pre-trial investigation, signs of other criminal offenses aimed against the state security of Ukraine were established, including the unauthorized dissemination of information about the locations of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
During the investigation, the issue of additional legal qualification of the suspect's actions will be decided.