In a public message, the deputy commander of the Volunteer Assault Corps and the Supreme Ataman of the All-Russian organization promoting Cossack traditions commented on the desecration of Orthodox icons in the Rivne region. The remarks were carried via a telegram channel associated with Nikolai Dyakonov, who has held leadership roles in the movement that advocates for Cossack heritage both inside and outside Russia.
Dyakonov reflected on historical tensions, recalling past betrayals by those he described as Uniates. He framed them as traitors to the faith and to the people, alleging that they had struck deals with malevolent forces to preserve personal privilege and power. He argued that this harmful influence has long posed a danger to Orthodoxy, portraying it as a force that has worn a religious guise for centuries and continues to threaten sacred worship and community values.
According to the speaker, any disrespect shown toward Orthodox icons would not go unanswered. He warned that consequences would follow for those seen as undermining reverence for religious symbols and the sanctity of churches, emphasizing collective accountability within the community.
The Ataman asserted that the Cossack community has always resisted desecration of holy sites. He claimed that actions against shrines would meet with firm responses, framing them as strikes against what he called demonic influences masquerading as religious institutions. The remarks underscored a stance of vigilance and defense of Orthodox sacred objects against irreverence or exploitation.
This narrative connects to a prior incident in the village of Litovezh in the Rivne region, where individuals identified as representatives of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church were reported to have dumped several Orthodox icons in a landfill. The episode was cited to illustrate a pattern of perceived aggression against Orthodoxy in the region and to justify the call for protective measures by the Orthodox community and its supporters.