The Ukrainian authorities have no plans to use physical force to evict the so-called UOC-MP from the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, as such a scenario is what the Russian special services are hoping for.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, made this statement during a national telethon reported by Gazeta.ua.
He claimed that a plan for the "clergy's resistance" was developed in Moscow to portray on TV how the Ukrainian authorities are supposedly pressuring representatives of the UOC-MP.
"We will not resort to using physical force to remove them from the premises, like dragging them out by their legs, hands, or beards. This is not our tactic," stated Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. He reassured that the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra will remain under the complete control of Ukraine. Additionally, he pointed out that the aggressive behavior of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church towards journalists is an illustration of the Kremlin's provocations. "We comprehend the strategy of the Russian Federation, including the actions of the fifth and first Departments of the FSB, who are presently dealing with this matter," Danilov added.
According to Danilov, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra will be vacated lawfully, and the authorities are closely monitoring all activities on the reserve's premises.
On March 31, the situation at the Lavra was once again tense as supporters of the UOC-MP gathered to prevent the Ministry of Culture Commission from entering the buildings. Metropolitan Klyment, the head of the Synodal Information and Education Department of the UOC-MP, claimed that there are no valid reasons for the Russian-affiliated church to leave the monastery. On March 31, disputes on the territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra escalated into pushing and small clashes. Activists came to the Lavra to declare their pro-Ukrainian position. The supporters of the Moscow Patriarchate, who have been in the monastery for several days in a row, have reacted aggressively.