Police initiate a case on "obstruction" of searches at Pochaiv Lavra

A conflict at the Pochaiv Lavra. Photo: Ilchyshyn's Facebook

On October 10, 2025, the police of the Ternopil region reported the initiation of a criminal case under the article on "obstructing the work of law enforcement officers" during searches on the territory of the Pochaiv Lavra. This was reported by Ukrinform with reference to the head of the regional police department, Serhiy Ziubanenko.

According to Ziubanenko, the investigative actions were conducted as part of an investigation into large-scale fraud. He stated that the police "operate within the legal framework" and have procedural documents permitting the searches.

Meanwhile, the head of the Kremenets-Pochaiv State Reserve, Vasyl Ilchyshyn, assured that the events of October 8 were a "classic attempt to create a picture for propaganda channels". According to him, an investigative-operational group tried to enter the Lavra, but he did not specify why the law enforcement officers did not use the entrance and decided to cut the gates with a grinder.

Ilchyshyn accused the monastery brethren of "provocation" and stated that "to the ringing of bells, old women from the surroundings gathered and engaged in a discussion".

Earlier, it was reported that an attempted seizure occurred at the Pochaiv Lavra. Backed by the police, unknown individuals cut the locks on the gates and tried to enter. Thanks to the actions of seminarians and the brethren, the breakthrough was stopped.

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