Presented himself as a monk and sanctified Russian tanks during the battles for Kyiv: the collaborator was sentenced to 10 years

Pretending to be a monk and blessing Russian tanks during the battles for Kyiv / Photo: SBU

A man who pretended to be a monk during the occupation of Kyiv region and collaborated with the occupiers has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine.

According to law enforcement agencies, during the occupation of Andriivka in Bucha district, the man dressed as a monk and went to the positions of the Russian forces.

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«There, he offered his help to the Russians in the war against Ukraine. First, he «accommodated» an occupational unit in his own house. And then he provided the invaders with food products and «directed» his fellow villagers, who were subsequently looted,» the report said.

It is noted that the collaborator blessed the columns of Russian armored vehicles moving towards the front line. In reality, the person had no connection to the religious community.

In addition, the man had "privileges" to move freely within the community and visit the occupiers' headquarters. After the liberation of the district, he remained in the village and hoped to "serve his time" in his own residence.

The man was arrested in April 2022. The court found him guilty under articles 4 and 6 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (collaboration activities). Taking into account his cooperation with the investigation, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

Recall that the Security Service of Ukraine has gathered evidence against a former abbot of one of the temples in the Izium Diocese of the UOC, a so-called Moscow Patriarchate, who supported Russia's armed aggression. In particular, he blessed Russian military personnel during the occupation of Kharkiv region.