The Pochaiv Lavra will be investigated for possible ties to banned religious organizations

The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESC) will launch an investigation into the Pochaiv Holy Dormition Lavra regarding possible ties to a foreign religious organization whose activities are banned in Ukraine.

The work of a special investigative team will begin on June 24. The basis for the investigation is a DESC order dated June 19, 2026.

The agency noted that the main goal of the investigation is to determine whether there are any signs of the Lavra’s affiliation with foreign religious organizations, subordination to which is prohibited by law in Ukraine.

The DESC emphasized that it will act exclusively within the framework of the law and in accordance with the principle of freedom of religion. At the same time, all possible signs of foreign influence or subordination will be thoroughly investigated, and the results of the inspection will be made public.

The Pochaiv Lavra is the largest Orthodox shrine in Western Ukraine and is under the control of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). In recent years, legal proceedings have been ongoing regarding state property and the inspection of the religious community’s activities.

Previously, a court ruled that part of the Lavra’s property complex should be returned to the state, and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted searches there as part of criminal investigations.

Source: State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience.

As a reminder, Russia attacked the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire.

Prior to that, Russian drones struck the Zaporizhzhia region, leaving several people injured.

As a result of the Russian attack on Kharkiv, five State Emergency Service rescuers were killed.