Ukraine Accuses Orthodox Church Leader of Pro-Russian Stance

Ukrainian investigators are searching the home of Metropolitan Pavel Lebed, the leader of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, accusing him of justifying Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and inciting national and religious hatred. Pavel denies the allegations and argues that the Kyiv authorities have no legal grounds for evicting the monks and staff from the monastery. Last year, the Security Service of Ukraine raided the Lavra and other buildings belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and dozens of clerics have been arrested on accusations of treason and collaboration with Russia.