Security Service warns believers: the aggressor is vile and could arrange provocations even at Easter

Valentyna Romanenko — Friday, 22 April 2022, 13:06

Law enforcers are calling on worshippers to be especially vigilant this Easter, as the Russians may organise provocations.

Source:  Security Service of Ukraine

Quote: "Russian propaganda has already spread several reports about possible violent actions against believers over the Easter period and during church services in Ukraine.

In this way, the Russian media is already preparing the ground for provocations by the Russian army. And they are shifting responsibility for them onto representatives of ‘nationalist associations’ in advance.

The enemy is vile enough to arrange provocations even at Easter, one of the biggest Christian holidays. Therefore, we call on Ukrainians to be especially vigilant during this period."

Details: It is noted that the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police will make every effort to ensure that Easter passes safely, but citizens should take into account that there is a war going on in our country, and the aggressor is prepared to take any action against the civilian population. They have no respect for churches and shrines either, as evidenced by the numerous bombings of such sites, the Security Service said.

Believers are therefore strongly advised to refrain from mass gatherings in places of worship, and church leaders are advised to minimise the number of people attending feast-day services.

Citizens are also asked to abide by the curfew rules set by the civil administrations of each region.

Previously: The National Security and Defence Council’s Centre for Countering Disinformation warned that Russian troops might resort to provocations over the Easter holidays after concocting an "information alibi" for themselves.

A number of Russian propaganda media outlets have circulated a publication stating that "nationalists have formed over 70 mobile groups in cars, who will fire mortars at Orthodox churches on Easter night so that they can later accuse the Russian military of having done this". The propagandists also provide a specific list of the regions of Ukraine where this may happen.

All Ukrainians are urged to be very careful and extremely cautious.

Epifaniy, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, called on parishes not to hold all-night vigils in dangerous parts of the country.