The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has gathered evidence against the sanctioned Metropolitan Panteleimon Povoroznyuk of the Luhansk Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), who is alleged to be cooperating with Russian occupiers in the temporarily occupied city.
According to the SBU press service, the investigation reveals that in September 2022, the cleric visited the Kremlin to participate in a ceremony related to the so-called "annexation" of the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. There, he expressed support for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and the seizure of parts of Ukrainian territory, including the Luhansk region.
In May of the same year, the UOC-MP metropolitan attended a "roundtable discussion" held in Luhansk under the leadership of the self-proclaimed leader Pasechnik. During this event, Povoroznyuk, alongside Kadyrov's advisor, advocated for the adoption of a so-called "resolution" spreading misinformation about Ukrainian soldiers and the situation on the frontlines, which was broadcast by Russian television channels.
Additionally, through numerous interviews with Kremlin propagandists, the cleric glorified Russian occupiers and called for the continuation of the war against Ukraine.
Based on the collected evidence, the SBU investigators have informed Povoroznyuk of suspicions under Article 111-2, Part 1, of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (assisting the aggressor state).
Earlier, at the SBU's request, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council imposed sanctions on him.
As the clergyman is currently evading justice in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk, comprehensive measures are underway to hold him accountable.
The investigation was conducted by SBU officers in the Chernihiv region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.