Khmelnytskyi authorities call protesters against blackouts "MP parishioners"

An AI-generated image by City Council secretary Didenko. Photo: Didenko's FB

On January 22, 2026, secretary of the Khmelnytskyi City Council Vitalii Didenko called people who blocked the road due to prolonged power outages "parishioners of the Mosparchate" and "FSB agent network". To his Facebook post, Didenko attached an AI-generated image depicting elderly women in kokoshniks, with icons and the inscription "FSB".

"Representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) attempted to block Kamenetska Street during a protest against prolonged blackouts. Such actions are often interpreted as provocations: many experts and the SBU consider the UOC-MP to be Kremlin agents who have been forming public discontent for years, spreading pro-Russian narratives and trying to destabilize the situation in the rear under the cover of social protests," the City Council secretary stated.

Didenko's words caused a strong reaction from Khmelnytskyi residents on social media. In comments on the local Telegram channel "Khmelnytskyi LIVE," residents accused Didenko of lies and manipulation.

"I understand that everyone who disagrees with the authorities' actions are all FSB and KGB, a very convenient excuse for the authorities," wrote Andrii Khamskyi.

"The entire Ukrainian people are FSB, especially the elderly from FSB. Soon they'll call everyone 'Kremlin agents,'" wrote Valia.

"Everyone already knows about our yesterday's rally. And to somehow justify themselves, like ordinary people just can’t stand the arbitrariness because it’s a disgrace of the Khmelnytskyi authorities for all of Ukraine, they spread such nonsense!" writes Groove.

"What does the Church have to do with this? People came out with household problems, regarding the lack of electricity, and you bring up MP, UOC for what? You learned one phrase due to lack of intelligence and push it where it's needed and where it's not," wrote Tetiana Mankova.

"What f***ing agents, they're lying, scoundrels! There were ordinary people, mothers with children, Khmelnytskyi residents of all ages! Because it boiled over!!! 😡" wrote Aileen just.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU lied claiming that UOC priests refused to perform funeral services for a fallen AFU soldier.

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