The Security Service of Ukraine says its operatives have intercepted a phone conversation between those plotting a series of false flag terrorist attacks in Kharkiv aimed at the churches of the ROC branch in Ukraine.
The culprits intended to set a number of temples on fire, the spokesperson for the SBU’s regional unit explained, according to the Ukrainian Pravda outlet.
“Yes, we confirm the fact of interception of a telephone call where a plot was discussed of terrorist attacks in Kharkiv. The attacks were to take place in the churches of the Moscow Patriarchate. We warned the representatives of the UOC-MP (ROCinU, – ed.). The person who was to carry out the attacks has been identified. The whole set of necessary measures is now being taken,” the spox said.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, a recording was published across social networks of a conversation in which two men, identified as “Person 1, citizen of the Russian Federation” “Alexei” and “Person 2” citizen of Ukraine (performer) “, discuss the possibility of conducting several arson attacks on city churches for a reward of US$1,000.
“Of course, I won’t be able to do four, but I can do a couple,” the potential executioner of the attacks told his interlocutor, adding that his “brother” might help him out.
The person who appears to be ordering the attacks insists on four arsons and promises a reward. He also warns that before knocking out windows and setting fire to churches, the “performer” must leave an inscription on the walls, the two Cyrillic letters standing for “N” and “I”.
It should be recalled that Russia’s Vladimir Putin recently called the branch of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine “UOC of the Moscow Patriarchate.” According to Putin, Kyiv is preparing an onslaught on the pro-Russian church.
