SBU Reported Suspicion Against a Protodeacon of the ROC
The SBU accused a deacon of the ROC of providing material assistance to Russian troops and ideological support for the aggression.
The Security Service of Ukraine reported suspicion against the conductor of the choir "Russky Format," ROC Protodeacon Serafim Dubanov. The cleric was accused of financing the Russian army and providing ideological support for aggression against the Ukrainian state.
According to the investigation, since 2022 the clergyman has been regularly collecting and delivering military equipment to Russian Federation units fighting in eastern Ukraine. The SBU claims that Dubanov visited positions in the Luhansk region, where he handed over anti-drone rifles, quadcopters, communication devices, uniform sets, and radio batteries.
The cleric is also charged with organizing performances by the "Russky Format" choir to boost the morale of military personnel and with propaganda activity on social media aimed at justifying war crimes.
Based on the collected evidence, the SBU qualified the suspect's actions under Part 3 of Article 110-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (financing actions committed with the aim of forcibly changing the territorial borders or seizing state power). According to the SBU, Dubanov also signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and holds the position of "assistant commander for work with believers" in one of the brigades.
As the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported, the SBU reported suspicion in absentia against a ROC metropolitan.
