SBU comments on searches in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Searches in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Photo: SBU press service

The SBU press service has published an official comment on the searches in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on the agency's Telegram channel.

According to the security service, the SBU, the National Police and the National Guard are carrying out counterintelligence measures there "as part of the SBU's systemic work to counter subversive activities of the Russian special services in Ukraine".

The SBU said that the goal of the measures is to prevent the Lavra from being used as a cell of the "Russian world" and to check data on the use of the UOC premises for harbouring subversive and intelligence groups, foreign nationals, storing weapons, etc.

The report also said that law enforcers were inspecting the territory and premises of the Lavra, looking for items prohibited for use there, and checking the residents regarding their involvement in illegal activities to the detriment of Ukraine's state sovereignty.

In addition, the SBU specified that in its actions it "observes the principle of impartiality to the activities of any religious denomination and respects the right of every citizen to freedom of ideology and religion as defined by the Constitution of Ukraine”.

As reported, the SBU started searches in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

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