Ukrainian Law Enforcement Conducts Raids at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Employees of Ukraine's Security Service are conducting searches in the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. According to the SBU's press service, intelligence personnel are carrying out counterintelligence measures aimed at resisting 'diversionary actions by Russian special services' to prevent the 'use of the monastery as a cell of the Russian world' and to protect the population from 'provocations' and terrorist attacks, reports svoboda.org.

Law enforcement officials have stated that the goal is to 'stop the diversionary activities of the Russian special services.' The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is considered one of the most significant cultural heritage sites in Ukraine. It serves as the center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the auspices of the Moscow Patriarchate.

According to the Ukrainian side, Russian diversionary and reconnaissance groups may be hiding in the complex's territory and storing weapons there.