Chernivtsi police claim they “prevented escalation” near UOC cathedral
The violent seizure and brutal beating of UOC clergy and believers by militants was officially described as a “conflict between representatives of two religious communities.”
The Main Directorate of the National Police in the Chernivtsi region stated that on June 17, 2025, law enforcement officers “responded immediately” and “prevented further escalation of the conflict” near the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Chernivtsi.
According to police, “a conflict arose between representatives of two religious communities over the use of the religious building.” The statement effectively refers to the armed militants who beat UOC clergy and faithful as one of the “religious communities.”
At the same time, the department reported that the Chernivtsi police had received over 10 citizen complaints, including allegations of “bodily injuries and the possible seizure of a religious building by unidentified individuals.”
The police emphasized that officers are continuing to guard the cathedral around the clock. The National Police urged citizens to abide by the law and resolve disputes “exclusively within the legal framework.”
As previously reported by the UOJ, OCU militants severely beat a UOC priest in Chernivtsi; he remains in serious condition.
