Clashes broke out on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra on Sunday, April 23, between an activist carrying a Ukrainian flag and a Swiss citizen. DEA NewsSubmission to the Union of Orthodox Journalists.
The activist reportedly “aggressively requested” to take the Ukrainian flag from Samuil, a Swiss citizen and reader of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). According to the association, the provocateur was informed that he was facing a Swiss national. The aggressive-minded man then left with insulting words.
It was noted that a certain Ruslan Hetman was a provocateur. This man collected money from residents of the Ternopil region on behalf of a charity.
On the morning of April 19, the Pechersky District Court of Kiev provided the police have the right to access the objects of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, including the “Vasilchikovs cellar, the granite walls of Bliznepecherskaya Square, the buildings of the academy, the seminary, the metropolis, buildings and structures in the former infectious zone, the hospital for diseases and toilets.”
Later, a commission of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine arrived on the territory of the Lavra, whose members included the deputy head of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra reserve. Using grinders, the commission sealed the gallery and part of Lavra’s 39th building.