Ukraine’s Security Service finds pro-Russian books and 2 million UAH during search in Kyiv Monastery

Ukraine’s Security Service has reported completing “counterintelligence measures” at three monasteries in Ukraine, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a monastery founded in the 11th century and located in the heart of the country’s capital, the agency’s Telegram channel says.

The Security Service has reported finding “pro-Russian literature, used for teaching at seminary and parish schools to inculcate the ‘Russian world’ propaganda”. The agency has also found lots of money in cash, namely 2 million UAH [€53,000], over $100,000 and several thousands of Russian rubles.

“More than 350 church buildings and 850 people were checked. Over 50 people underwent in-depth counterintelligence interviews, including using a polygraph,” the agency said in a statement.

The Security Service has also interrogated numerous citizens of Russia and Ukraine. Some of the Russians “provided Soviet passports and military IDs, did not have any original documents at all, or had forged Ukrainian passports”.

The agency has also found a 32-year-old Ukrainian who might be connected with the illegal activity of the pro-Russian Antvan news outlet.

Ukraine’s Security Service reported conducting a search at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra yesterday. The agency also searched two monasteries in the Rivne region.