Ukrainian security service conduct searches in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

This was reported by the Ukrainian security service press service.

The measures take place together with the National Police and the National Guard within the framework of the USS's systematic work to counter the subversive activities of the Russian special services in Ukraine.

"In particular, taking into account the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, the risk of committing terrorist acts, sabotage, and hostage-taking is increasing, especially in places where there is a large concentration of citizens," the message says.

Therefore, these measures are carried out for:

• preventing the use of the Lavra as a center of the "Russian world"

• checking data on the use of their premises for hiding sabotage and intelligence groups, foreign citizens, storing weapons, etc.

• protection of the population from provocations and terrorist acts

With the participation of church representatives, law enforcement officers conduct an inspection of the territory and premises of the Lavra to identify prohibited items; carry out checks on persons on the territory of the Lavra regarding their involvement in illegal activities to the detriment of the state sovereignty of Ukraine.

"All actions take place within the limits of the current legislation. We emphasize that in its activities the Ukrainian security service 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," the agency added.

The mass media say that the territory is surrounded by employees of the special services. In particular, they check whether there are no weapons in the premises and whether enemies of the sabotage and reconnaissance groups are hiding on the territory of the Lavra.

• On November 13 it became known that in one of the temples of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the aggressor country is being glorified during the service. This fact was checked by central authorities and law enforcement officers.

• Later, Metropolitan Pavlo (Lebid), vicar of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, admitted that parishioners sang a song about Russia in one of the temples.

• The Ukrainian security service started criminal proceedings on the fact of the event in one of the temples of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.