The SBU, together with the National Guard and the National Police, cordoned off the territory of the temple, they are looking for saboteurs, foreign citizens, and weapons. The SBU stated that the searches were carried out in order to prevent provocations, terrorist attacks and "the use of the Lavra as a cell of the "Russian world"".
“The SBU came with searches to the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra”, - Strana.ua reported in the morning (quote from RIA Novosti).
Later, the SBU commented on the situation, explaining the searches as “counterintelligence measures”.
“The SBU is conducting counterintelligence activities on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. These events are being held jointly with the national police and the national guard as part of the systematic work of the SBU to counter the subversive activities of the Russian special services in Ukraine, ”the Ukrainian special service explained (quoted by RIA Novosti).
Searches are carried out to verify data on the use of the premises of the UOC for harboring DRGs, foreigners, weapons in order to counteract provocations and terrorist acts. In addition, “verifications of persons on the territory of the Lavra regarding their involvement in illegal activities to the detriment of the state sovereignty of Ukraine” are being carried out. The Ukrainian security forces stated that they act within the framework of the law, including with respect for the right of citizens to freedom of opinion and religion.
On November 13, the SBU opened a criminal case against a priest who performed the song “Mother Rus'” on November 12 in one of the temples of the monastery during the liturgy. The vicar of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Pavel, also removed the clergyman from worship and communion with the flock. The SBU said that the incident will not go unanswered.