SBU searches, abuse of girls, and the UOC's connection to Moscow Patriarchate: today's highlights
The Security Service of Ukraine, together with other law enforcement agencies, conducted a series of searches; photos and videos of parties where young men humiliated girls were shared on social media; and a religious expert examination found that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate still has ties to the Russian Orthodox Church. We have collected the key news for today.
Searches
In the morning, officers of the Security Service of Ukraine visited oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi.
The Security Service of Ukraine explained that they had uncovered large-scale schemes of misappropriation of UAH 40 billion by the former management of Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta. According to the investigation, the schemes included tax evasion and money laundering.
Law enforcement officers also searched the offices of a Kyiv real estate developer and MP from the banned Opposition Platform - For Life party, Vadym Stolar.
In addition, the former head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Arsen Avakov, was searched by the State Bureau of Investigation. The case concerns the crash of a helicopter in Brovary.
Drunken parties
Photos and videos from parties where young men humiliated girls were shared on social media.
The press service of the National Police told us that the police detained two organizers of drunken parties. The officers are currently preparing to notify them of suspicion. In the morning, police searched the boys' apartment.
The Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets appealed to the National Police and the Office of the Prosecutor General to conduct an impartial and effective investigation of the offenses and bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to him, he is concerned that the videos from the parties “are in demand and approved by society”. “Only the offender is guilty of such a crime. The victim cannot be guilty and should not feel that way,” the ombudsman said.
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is connected with the Russian Orthodox Church
The State Department for National Policy's religious expertise concluded that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate still has ecclesiastical and canonical ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, with only certain rights of independence.
The members of the Expert Group did not find any documents or actions that would indicate the transformation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church into a religious organization independent of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Where will the partially fit be sent?
Ukrainians with limited fitness for military service can also be mobilized. But they will not be sent to fight at the front.
They can be sent to institutions and educational establishments of the Ministry of Defense, territorial recruitment and social support centers, as well as other non-combat units.
Japan has allocated $170 million to Ukraine
The Government of Japan has allocated $170 million to Ukraine. The funds will be spent on emergency recovery projects, including the restoration of critical infrastructure.
Bulgaria recognizes the Holodomor
On February 1, the Bulgarian parliament voted to recognize the Holodomor of 1932-1933 as genocide of the Ukrainian people. The decision was made by 134 votes, with 26 deputies against it.
The resolution states that any denial, justification, or belittling of genocide is a dishonor to the memory of millions of people who died during the Holodomor.
Russian offensive
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov does not rule out that Russia may attempt a new offensive against Ukraine from all sides in the coming weeks.
On the evening of February 1, the General Staff added that the Russian occupiers are preparing for an offensive in certain areas, and are actively conducting reconnaissance.
Despite heavy losses, the occupiers continue to attempt offensives in the Liman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Novopavlivka directions.
Austrian delegation
An Austrian delegation led by President Alexander Van der Bellen visited Kyiv. He reaffirmed Austria's military neutrality, but at the same time stated that his country is on the side of Ukraine in political and humanitarian terms.
“If one state in Europe attacks another, we will never stand idly by,” Van der Bellen said.
Other news for the day:
- State Bureau of Investigations exposes the head of Kyiv tax office on millions of illegal schemes
- In Lviv, a soldier's nerve was transplanted from his thigh to his arm so that he could move his fingers again.
- Border guards on the outskirts of Bakhmut destroyed an enemy assault group.
- The Cabinet of Ministers is considering dismissing the entire leadership of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
- Russians hit a private enterprise in Sloviansk with a missile.
- According to investigators, a teacher of an orphanage in Kyiv Oblast tortured a nine-year-old girl.
- A former Defense Ministry official is suspected of purchasing low-quality bulletproof vests worth over UAH 100 million.
- The Cabinet of Ministers issued a series of dismissals.
- Seven people are suspected of attempting to seize the buildings of the National Cinematheque near Kyiv.
- Netflix will require users to connect to the main Wi-Fi once a month to combat password sharing.
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