The SBU announced that it exposed the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church for creating their own private military companies in Russia, recruiting and training mercenaries for the war against Ukraine.
.in_text_content_22 { width: 300px; height: 600px; } @media(min-width: 600px) { .in_text_content_22 { width: 580px; height: 400px; } }
The SBU press center reported this today, October 19.
It is documented that one of these private military companies, called St. Andrew’s Cross, operates on the basis of the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in St. Petersburg, the intelligence service notes. — Within the walls of a religious institution, its representatives are recruiting parishioners for further inclusion in the Russian occupation groups involved on the front line.
It is noted that when selecting potential “candidates,” preference is given to men who have already served in the military units of the aggressor country and have combat “experience.”
After the mercenaries are enrolled in the ranks of the PIK of the Moscow church, they undergo a course of military tactical and fire training under the guidance of instructors from the Russian special services, the SBU notes. “To disguise combat training, its organizers train “recruits” exclusively within the walls of the cathedral, as well as at special training grounds in Russia.
The SBU has established that the financing of such research and development projects is carried out by representatives of Russian financial and industrial groups close to the head of the Kremlin – the money goes to the accounts of the Russian Orthodox Church in the form of charitable contributions and donations for the “construction” of churches.
Based on documented facts, the Security Service is carrying out comprehensive measures to establish all the circumstances of the exposed crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice, the SBU notes.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.