Head of SBU specifies number of UOC clerics handed a notice of suspicion

Vasyl Maliuk. Photo: unn.ua

On June 23, 2025, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk revealed the number of UOC priests who have been served with notices of suspicion by his agency, reports the resource "We – Ukraine".

According to Maliuk, since the beginning of the full-scale conflict, the SBU has initiated 174 criminal proceedings against UOC clergy. Of these, 122 clerics have already received notifications of suspicion, and 31 have been convicted.

According to the head of the SBU, holy orders are neither a privilege nor an aggravating circumstance:

"Having a cassock and censer is not an aggravating circumstance, but it does not exempt from criminal liability. There will be no 'indulgences' for those who work against Ukraine under the cover of a clerical rank."

Vasyl Maliuk emphasized that the agency continues its efforts to stop the activities of those he refers to as “agents in cassocks”. The charges brought against UOC representatives include collaborationism, high treason, and cooperation with the enemy.

"If they commit crimes against the foundations of national security or any other crimes, we qualify this in accordance with current legislation and hold them accountable. The Constitution has a principle of freedom of conscience and religion, and we respect this. But if they support the aggressor, then, of course, we document such individuals," added Maliuk.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the SBU reports on criminal cases against UOC clergy.

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