Radical groups reported among those who seized UOC church in Shchaslyve

Representatives of radical groups who took part in the forceful seizure of the UOC’s St. Nicholas Church in the village of Shchaslyve, Kyiv Region. Photo: Pershyi Kozatskyi

On February 22, 2026, information became known about radical organizations that present themselves as “believers” and participated in the forceful seizure of the UOC’s St. Nicholas Church in the village of Shchaslyve, Kyiv Region. This was reported by Pershyi Kozatskyi.

According to the UOJ's previous reports, on February 20, supporters of the OCU broke the church doors and replaced the locks. UOC parishioners recalled that back in August of last year, OCU activists held a meeting announcing the parish’s “transfer.” In response, UOC believers confirmed their decision to remain within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

According to available information, representatives of the NGO “Combat Brotherhood of Ukraine” took part in the forceful actions. Also on the church grounds were participants from the associations “Organization of Ukrainian Youth” and “Right Youth.” The latter group positions itself as associated with the nationalist movement “Right Sector” and has previously been involved in incidents of force around UOC churches. During the seizure, representatives of the radical groups were wearing masks and balaclavas.

From the OCU side, coordination of the actions was carried out by Ihor Martsyn. On February 21, the UOC rector and parishioners arrived at the church; however, according to them, police officers, individuals in military uniform, and groups of young people from other populated areas were already on site. The believers reported threats directed at those who tried to record video.

Church raids involving radically minded structures are ongoing in various regions of Ukraine. Earlier, the UOJ reported a similar incident in Kuzmyn, where OCU raiders cut off the locks on the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

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