The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) conducted searches at the Pochaiv Lavra monastery in Ternopil Oblast as part of criminal proceedings regarding allegations that representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate spread Russian ideology and incited ethnic and religious hatred.

SSU officers searched the Pochaiv Lavra belonging to UOC-MP on Thursday morning

The reason for the searches was allegedly the spread of Russian ideology by representatives of the Lavra

A publication insulting the national honour and dignity of Jewish people and inciting religious hatred towards representatives of all churches other than the UOC-MP was posted on the monastery's website

UOC-MP clergy questioned Ukraine's existence as a sovereign state separate from Russia in the publication

The investigation is ongoing under Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of equality of citizens on basis of racial, ethnic or religious affiliation)

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has been conducting searches on Nov. 30 in the Pochaiv Monastery in Ternopil Oblast over suspected dissemination of pro-Russian ideology.

The searches are part of criminal proceedings related to the Lavra's leadership being involved in inciting national enmity and hatred.

Representatives of the Pochaiv Lavra published content on the monastery's website insulting the national honor and dignity of Jews, along with inciting religious enmity against representatives of all churches except the UOC-MP.

Clerics of the UOC-MP questioned the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state separate from Russia.

SSU conducted searches at Pochaiv Lavra and questioned clergy regarding incitement of national hatred.

Investigation alleges clergy posted content insulting Jews and questioning Ukraine's sovereignty separate from Russia.