The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a blogger who faced treason accusations and had been evading authorities for six months by taking shelter within the Holy Annunciation Monastery, a site belonging to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The development was shared through the SBU’s Telegram channel as part of an ongoing update on the case.
According to the SBU, the individual suspected of treason was apprehended in August 2022 on the grounds of the monastery. The agency states that he was formally notified of the charges under Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which covers treason. Following the notification, the suspect reportedly fled and attempted to remain out of reach by staying at the monastery.
A Ukrainian outlet, Strana.ua, identified the individual as Dmitry Skvortsov. The report alleges that the blogger was involved in producing and publishing content that harbored defamatory material against Ukrainian authorities, crafted to influence public opinion and political discourse.
The situation also links back to previous SBU activity. The agency had previously announced a criminal case against a senior figure in the Cherkasy diocese of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, signaling a broader focus on potential abuses connected with influential church networks and their role in civil society. The current arrest underscores ongoing tensions surrounding treason investigations and the handling of information linked to political actor networks in Ukraine.
Observers note that the case illustrates how the state monitors online activity and public messaging that may threaten national security. It also raises questions about the interplay between religious institutions and political life in the region, as well as the methods used by authorities to pursue individuals who allegedly retreat to religious sites to avoid arrest. The SBU’s communications emphasize due process and the legal steps taken to inform the accused of charges, while also describing the measures taken to ensure the safety and orderly conduct of law enforcement operations in potentially sensitive locations. The agency continues to pursue leads and to clarify the links between online defamation campaigns and real-world harm to state institutions. Attributions are provided by the SBU, with further context offered through official updates.