Vadym Novynskyi: suspicion of treason, promotion of pro-Russian narratives, and involvement in subversive activities in Ukraine
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has officially announced the pre-trial detention measure against Vadym Novynskyi — a former Ukrainian parliamentarian who since 2014 has acted as a ‘curator’ of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in Ukraine and actively promoted pro-Russian narratives.
This decision followed an extensive investigation revealing his involvement in treason, incitement of interfaith hostility, and propaganda supporting Russia’s interests.
According to the investigation, Novynskyi consistently promoted Russian narratives from the very beginning of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, starting in 2014, justifying the aggressor and fostering anti-Ukrainian sentiments through media, social networks, and public speeches.The investigation documents that the former deputy maintained close ties with Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) — the head of the Russian Orthodox Church — and served as a ‘supervisor’ of the organization in Ukraine, following directives from Moscow.
He openly supported Russia’s foreign policy, made pro-Russian statements, and engaged in religious propaganda that conflicted with Ukraine’s national interests.
After Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Novynskyi resigned his position and currently resides abroad, although he continues to exert influence through information campaigns aimed at undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.The criminal investigation confirmed that his activities contributed to destabilizing Ukrainian society, embedding Russian narratives into the information space, and obstructing Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
The maximum penalty for such crimes is up to 15 years in prison, with or without confiscation of property.
As part of the procedural measures, assets linked to Novynskyi valued at over 3.5 billion hryvnias have been seized—including rights to more than 40 Ukrainian enterprises and 30 gas wells extracting industrial quantities of fuel.
These actions underline the gravity of his involvement in activities aimed at undermining Ukraine’s national security and normal functioning.