SBU exposes leadership of Russian Orthodox Church who recruit for war

The SBU's press service has reported this development.

The SBU's report states, "It has been documented that one of these private military companies, known as St. Andrew's Cross operates from the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Inside the religious institution, representatives of this company recruit parishioners who are then deployed to the Russian Federation's occupation groups active on the front lines."

It's important to note that they prefer selecting men with prior military service and combat experience as potential candidates. After enlisting in these private military companies, these mercenaries receive military and tactical training, overseen by instructors from Russian special services. Training occurs within the cathedral and at specialized training facilities in the Russian Federation.

The SBU reports, "The financing of these private military companies is conducted by individuals associated with financial and industrial groups in the aggressor country, closely linked to the Kremlin's leadership. Funds are channeled to the Russian Orthodox Church through charitable contributions and donations for the construction of temples."

At present, the Security Service of Ukraine is taking comprehensive measures to investigate all the details of these exposed crimes and bring those responsible to justice.

• In previous reports, it was revealed that the Russian Federation had also involved priests of the Russian Orthodox Church, sending them to the occupied territories for intelligence and agent work.