Ukraine’s Security Service is conducting a search at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a monastery founded in the 11th century and located in the heart of the country’s capital, Babel reports citing its source in the law enforcement agencies.
The Security Service has confirmed the search, noting that the police and the National Guard are also working at the location. The search is being conducted against the background of “the growing terrorism threat, as well as potential sabotage and hostage situations.”
The agency stated that the aim of the search was to “prevent the Lavra from being used as the cell of the ‘Russian world.” The other goals of the search are “verification of data on the use of Ukrainian Orthodox Church premises for harbouring sabotage and reconnaissance groups, foreign citizens, storing weapons, etc., as well as to protect the population from provocations and terror attacks.”
In addition, the agency is checking people in the Lavra for involvement in illegal activities harming the state sovereignty of Ukraine, reads the statement.
The territory has been sealed off, and the law enforcers are currently searching for weapons or members of sabotage groups.
The Security Service initiated criminal proceedings for “justifying Russia’s aggression” after a song about “the awakening of Mother Russia” was sung in the Lavra last week.
