The Security Service (SBU) has exposed the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in creating their own private military companies on the territory of the Russian Federation. At the direction of the Moscow Patriarchate, these private military companies (PMCs) are engaged in recruiting and training mercenaries for the war against Ukraine.
This was reported by the SBU's press service.
It has been documented that one of these private military companies, named "Andriivskyi Khrest" (Andrew's Cross), operates within the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in St. Petersburg.
Within the walls of this religious institution, its representatives recruit parishioners for subsequent inclusion in the ranks of Russian occupation forces on the front lines.
During the selection of potential "candidates," preference is given to men who have previously served in the military units of the aggressor country and possess combat "experience."
After being enrolled in the ranks of the Moscow Patriarchate's PMC, mercenaries undergo military and tactical training, as well as firearms training, under the guidance of Russian intelligence instructors.
To disguise their combat training, the organizers conduct the preparation of "recruits" exclusively within the cathedral's walls and on special training grounds in the Russian Federation.
It has been established that the funding for such PMCs is provided by representatives of financial and industrial groups in the aggressor country, closely associated with the Kremlin leadership. Money is transferred to ROC's accounts in the form of charitable contributions and donations for the "construction" of churches.
Based on documented evidence, the Security Service is taking comprehensive measures to establish all the circumstances of the exposed crimes and hold those responsible accountable.
It is worth noting that since the start of Russia's full-scale aggression, the SBU has initiated 68 criminal proceedings against representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), with 16 of them involving metropolitans.
Among the crimes exposed are 20 cases of state betrayal, collaboration, and complicity with the aggressor country.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies are investigating 18 cases related to the incitement of religious hatred, the sale of firearms, and the distribution of child pornography.
As a result of operational and investigative actions, 26 individuals representing the UOC-MP have been informed of suspicion, and 19 offenders have already received court sentences.