The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has exposed the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church in the creation of their own private military companies within the territory of the Russian Federation. At the direction of the Moscow Patriarchate, these PMCs are involved in recruiting and providing combat training to mercenaries for the war against Ukraine.
This information is reported by the SSU press service.
It has been documented that one of such private military companies, named “Andriivskyi Khrest” (Andrew’s Cross), operates on the basis of the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in St. Petersburg.
Representatives of this religious institution recruit parishioners within its walls for subsequent inclusion in the ranks of Russian occupation forces engaged at the front lines in Ukraine.
During the selection of potential “candidates,” preference is given to men who have previously served in the military units of the aggressor country and possess combat “experience.” After enlisting mercenaries in the ranks of the PMCs affiliated with the Moscow Church, they undergo a course of military-tactical and firearms training under the guidance of instructors from Russian special services.
To camouflage their military training, the organizers conduct the preparation of “recruits” exclusively within the walls of the cathedral and on special training grounds of the Russian Federation.
It has been established that the funding for such PMCs is provided by representatives of financial-industrial groups from the aggressor country who are close to the Kremlin leadership. Funds are transferred to the accounts of the Russian Orthodox Church in the form of charitable donations and contributions for the “construction” of churches.
Photo: open sources
