SBU discovers suspicious persons, unregistered weapons, Russian propaganda leaflets at UOC-MP sites

According to the report, 16 suspicious persons were discovered at a monastery located in the "forbidden" Chernobyl zone, among them athletic men.

They stayed at the facility illegally, as civilians have no right to be in the exclusion zone, through which the Russian invaders tried to break into Kyiv in February-March of this year.

At the moment, protocols on administrative offenses have been drawn up against them under Article 46-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses "Violation of the requirements of the radiation safety regime in areas exposed to radioactive contamination." Their involvement in crimes against state security is being checked.

In the attic of the same facility, SBU employees discovered a camouflage net, which is usually used for military purposes: to mask weapons, equipment and engineering structures.

In the premises of the Kherson diocese, SBU employees found a rifle without appropriate permits, a flag and a golden coat of arms of Russia.

The special service also processed information about several clergymen who are likely to be in contact with Russian and Belarusian citizens.

In addition, law enforcement officers discovered propaganda materials glorifying Russia.

The SBU said it adheres to the principle of impartiality towards the activities of any religious denomination and respects the right of every citizen to freedom of worldview and religion, as defined by the Constitution of Ukraine.

Security measures were carried out within the current legislation together with the National Police and voluntary formations of territorial communities, with the direct participation of UOC-MP representatives.

Earlier on December 9, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy recommended that the parliament adopt at first reading a bill banning the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church and related religious organizations in Ukraine.