SBU reported subversive activity by Putin's clergyman in occupied Crimea

The Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General have, in absentia, notified Metropolitan Georgy Shevkunov of the Russian Orthodox Church, known as Tikhon, of suspicion. Ukrainian investigators consider him one of the spiritual mentors of the Russian leader Vladimir Putin and one of the ideologues of the Kremlin regime.

This was reported by the SBU and the Office of the Prosecutor General.

According to the investigation, Shevkunov was among the first to support Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and urged aiding Russian armed formations.

In 2023 year he was appointed head of the so-called Crimean Metropolitanate of the ROC. According to Ukrainian law enforcement, in this position he used the diocesan resources to spread Kremlin ideology on the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.

Additionally, according to the SBU, Tikhon regularly speaks publicly, justifying Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and calling for further occupation of Ukrainian territory.

A professional examination, initiated by the SBU, confirmed, according to the investigation, the facts of information-psychological subversive activity by Shevkunov in Russia’s interests.

The metropolitan has been notified of suspicion in absentia under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — part 2 of article 110 on encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine and part 3 of article 436-2 on justifying, recognizing as lawful, denying armed aggression by the RF against Ukraine and glorification of its participants.

Investigative actions and other measures are ongoing. Ukrainian law enforcement authorities state their intent to bring Shevkunov to criminal responsibility.