SBU’s Cover-Up Exposed: Journalist Forced to Apologize for Defaming Ukrainian Orthodox Church Priest
For the first time in Ukraine, a public apology has been issued to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (canonical UOC of Kyiv Patriarchate) Sonya Koshkina, editor of «Levyy Bereg» («Левый берег») and a known supporter of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), was compelled to retract false allegations against Bishop Nikita of Ivano-Frankivsk, previously published on Levyy Bereg.
Following a court ruling, Koshkina admitted that her outlet had run paid-for articles containing fabricated claims about the clergyman of the canonical Orthodox Church. It was also revealed that the compromising materials against the bishop had been provided to her by SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) officers, who conducted raids on the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the UOC in November 2022. This indirectly confirms Koshkina’s ties to the security services—and exposes the SBU’s role in manufacturing false accusations.
The search operation lasted nearly half a day, during which clergy inside the diocesan building were cut off from communication. Law enforcement blocked lawyers from accessing the site for about three hours. Meanwhile, Koshkina published articles alleging that SBU officers had "caught" Bishop Nikita (then an archimandrite) in his cell with a young choirboy.
«Levyy Bereg» also circulated staged photos, purportedly confirming the claim, which later turned out to have been supplied to Koshkina by her SBU sources. Her reports included graphic, fabricated descriptions accusing UOC clergy of immoral conduct.
Koshkina’s false publications—amplified by her ties not only to the SBU but also to Petro Poroshenko—served as propaganda against the UOC, increasing pressure on the Ivano-Frankivsk Diocese.
So far, only a small circle of lawyers and journalists are aware of Koshkina’s court-mandated apology. Most of the public remains unaware, still influenced by false stereotypes about UOC clergy.
This case marks one of the first instances where the UOC has successfully sued defamers. Previously, priests often ignored slander, emboldening irresponsible media and anti-church activists.
A parallel can be drawn with lawyer Andriy Portnov, who faced a massive smear campaign but later won lawsuits, securing public apologies from Ukrainian politicians and media, including the European Solidarity party, Pryamyi TV channel, and ex-President Poroshenko.
While the UOC is not a legal entity, leveraging judicial mechanisms could help combat defamation—especially if pursued earlier, during the peak of media attacks on the "Moscow Patriarchate." Even now, this first legal victory could signal a turning point.
Why Did the Court Rule in Favor of the UOC? Two Theories Emerge:
- Political Pressure: President Zelensky may be using the courts to target his rival Petro Poroshenko, who has openly called for a change of power. The ruling could be part of a broader effort to discredit Poroshenko-linked media and expose the OCU’s role in fueling church schisms and tensions.
- U.S. Influence: The decision may stem from behind-the-scenes talks between Kyiv and Washington. Reports suggest the U.S. has pressured Ukrainian authorities to halt the crackdown on the UOC.
Which scenario is closer to the truth will soon become clear.
