SSU exposes Russian Orthodox Church leadership on creation so-called "Orthodox PMCs" for war in Ukraine

The Russian Orthodox Church is creating so-called "Orthodox PMCs" for the war in Ukraine.

This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine.

According to the special services, one of these private military companies, St Andrew's Cross, operates based on the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in St Petersburg.

Representatives of the cathedral recruit parishioners to participate in hostilities in Ukraine.

Instructors from the Russian special services conduct military tactical and firearms training courses for mercenaries.

"To disguise combat training, their organisers train 'recruits' exclusively within the walls of the cathedral and at special training grounds in Russia," the SSU statement reads.

The PMCs receive funds from financial and industrial groups close to the Kremlin in the form of alleged charitable contributions for the "construction" of churches.

Since February 24, 2022, the SSU has opened 68 criminal proceedings against representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. 16 of them were metropolitans of the church. Among other things, 20 facts of high treason, collaboration and aiding the aggressor country were exposed.

It will be recalled that on October 19, the Ukrainian parliament passed a bill banning religious organisations associated with the Russian Federation in the first reading. Adoption of the bill after the final vote will mean a ban on the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church (MP).