SBU reveals how many UOC clergy have been convicted over two years of war

Head of the SBU Vasyl Maliuk. Photo: SBU

Since the start of the full-scale war, the SBU has initiated over 180 criminal proceedings against clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Of these, 38 have already received court sentences, the SBU said in response to a request from LIGA.net.

Among the clergymen under investigation are 23 hierarchs of the UOC.

During 2024, Ukrainian courts handed down 11 convictions in various regions of the country against representatives of the UOC. They were charged under different articles of the Criminal Code, including:

• actions aimed at forcible change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power;
• manufacturing or distributing communist or Nazi symbols, or propaganda of totalitarian regimes;
• justification of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and aiding the aggressor;
• violation of citizens’ equality based on religion, nationality, or other beliefs;
• treason and collaboration;
• intentional infliction of minor bodily harm.

In 2025, courts issued sentences to another 11 UOC representatives, who were found guilty under similar provisions of the Criminal Code.

Thus, over two years of war, 22 UOC priests have been convicted under various criminal articles.

The SBU asserted that it “adheres to the principle of impartiality toward all religious denominations” and “respects every citizen’s right to freedom of thought and religion.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to SBU head Vasyl Maliuk, by mid-August 2025 170 criminal cases had been opened against UOC clergy.

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