The SBU security agency gathered new evidence on the FSB network tasked with destabilizing Ukraine from within, acting under the auspices of the UOC (MP).
That’s according to the SBU’s Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region.
The perpetrators would create content for the media aimed at inciting religious enmity as part of the wider psyops run by the Kremlin. If found guilty in court, the culprits will face life in prison.
Earlier this year, the SBU exposed members of the criminal group and detained four of its key members.
The new evidence shows the organization had been working to destabilize the country exploiting religious topics. The exposed Russian assets sought to spread provocative content among the widest possible audiences. The distorted reports alleged government involvement in the process of transition of parishes from the Moscow Patriarchate to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The suspects are believed to have received guidebooks for their work directly from Russia. The instructions included the talking points for public figures to voice and the outlets that are supposed to cover certain topics. Also, targets of media attacks were designated.
After the malign content was posted on Telegram, YouTube, Facebook, and websites of the UOC (MP) dioceses, it was immediately picked up by Russia’s TV channels and online platforms involved in Kremlin psyops.
At the moment, 10 members of the criminal organization have been charged.
