Orthodox church linked to Russia was attacked by Ukraine forces

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – An orthodox church was attacked by Ukraine`s security forces in Kyiv on Tuesday.

As “Eurasia review” reported the orthodox church was accused of working in favor of Russia.

Ukraine`s forces announced they attacked the church to fight against  “subversive activities by Russian special services.”

The highly unusual raid took place at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, after a priest spoke favorably about Russia – Ukraine’s invader – at a recent service.

Ukrainian authorities said the search was prompted by suspicions of possible Russian covert operations.

The Russian Orthodox Church has strongly supported Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nine-month invasion of Ukraine, while hundreds of Ukrainian Orthodox churches have cut their ties to the Moscow-governed branch of the church.

The Ukrainian counterintelligence and counter-terrorism service said its agents were searching buildings for any hidden weapons or foreign citizens and potential intelligence.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Ukrainian authorities of “waging a war on the Russian Orthodox Church.” He said the search was “another link in the chain of these aggressive actions against Russian Orthodoxy.”