Russian intelligence agents can recruit Ukrainians who have traveled abroad by targeting them in churches.
This was reported in an interview with Ukrinform by the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko.
Some of the 6.5 million Ukrainians who have fled abroad due to the war are being influenced by the Russian Orthodox Church. Russian priests are now acting not only as spiritual leaders but also as agents. They have come to Europe on a mission, often operating under the cover of the Foreign Intelligence Service or the FSB.
Ivashchenko highlighted a specific case in one of the Northern European countries: "The unique situation is that the state allocates certain funds for the church to assist local parishioners. However, the priest is transferring this money to the occupied territories in Ukraine, effectively supporting our enemies," he explained.
He further clarified that within the church, the priest may not explicitly instruct individuals to engage in espionage; instead, he seeks to inspire them.
Regarding the possibility of Ukrainians abroad being recruited in churches, Ivashchenko confirmed, "That is correct. People have relocated to Poland, Germany, Italy, and Montenegro — anywhere they can go. And there are Russians there as well."
According to him, while citizens in Ukraine are protected from the influence of Russian special services in churches by the Security Service, those who have gone abroad are subject to the laws of the host countries, leaving them vulnerable.
“This creates a problem because they can be recruited, influenced, and used,” Ivashchenko added.
On April 29, 2025, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense reported that the Russian Federation had appointed new representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church. Their role will be to promote the ideas of the "Russian world" in Ukraine.