On Thursday, February 16, the Ukrainian side handed over a Russian priest-collaborator with the UOC-MP. This helped to return hundreds of Ukrainian defenders from enemy captivity.
This was announced by the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Andrey Yusov, on the air of the national telethon, reports TSN.
"Yesterday, in order to return our guys, at the request of the other side and with their own consent, one collaborator was transferred, the so-called cleric of the Moscow Patriarchate, who assisted the occupiers, "leaked" various information, and helped hold so-called pseudo-elections," he said.
According to Yusov, the Russian Federation submitted a request for the collaborator, and the traitor himself was only willing to do so, so Ukraine did not object, as it helped bring Ukrainian defenders home.
"This work will continue," the Defence Intelligence representative added.
According to the UP source, it is Mykola Zirka, rector of the parish of Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan of the Diocese of Horlivka of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in the village of Yarova, Lyman community, Donetsk region.
The day before, it was reported that this collaborator priest was sentenced to 7 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Earlier, on February 16, another prisoner exchange took place. This time, 100 Ukrainian soldiers and a civilian returned home.