Leader of Russian Orthodox Church Placed on Wanted List

Ukraine announced that the leader of the Orthodox Church has been placed on a wanted list.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior placed “Patriarch Kirill,” the leader of the Orthodox Church, on a wanted list, accusing him of supporting the Kremlin’s war against Kyiv.

By placing the Orthodox Church leader’s name on the wanted list, Ukraine intends to sever ties between its church and Russia. Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior released a photo of Patriarch Kirill in clerical robes and announced that he has been missing since November 11.

Ukraine’s SBU security service issued a document last month stating that Patriarch Kirill, due to his position as part of the closest circle of Russian military and political leadership, has violated Ukrainian sovereignty. Ukraine is also seeking to permanently ban the Russian Orthodox Church from Ukrainian territory.

It is worth noting that Kyiv has opened several criminal cases against Orthodox priests, whose faith is the dominant religion in both Russia and Ukraine.