The ROC leadership is setting up its own private military companies

On the instructions of the Moscow patriarchate, their PMCs are engaged in recruiting and combat training of mercenaries for the war against Ukraine. This is reported by the SBU.

It has been documented that one of such private military companies called "St. Andrew's Cross" operates on the basis of the Kronstadt Sea Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Within the walls of the religious institution, its representatives recruit parishioners for further inclusion in the occupation groups of the Russian Federation, which are involved on the front line," the report says.

It is reported that during the selection of "candidates" preference is given to men who have served in the ranks of military units of the Russian Federation and have combat experience.

After enrolling mercenaries in the ranks of PMCs of the Moscow church, they undergo a course of military tactical and firearms training under the guidance of instructors from the Russian security services. To disguise combat training, their organisers train the "recruits" exclusively within the walls of the cathedral, as well as at special training grounds of the Russian Federation," the SBU said.

It has been established that the financing of such PMCs is carried out by representatives of financial and industrial groups of the Russian Federation, 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 the documented facts, the SBU is conducting comprehensive measures to establish all the circumstances of the exposed crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.