By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former Ukrainian lawmaker and businessman Vadym Novynskyi, a wealthy individual and sponsor of a Moscow-backed church, has been charged in absentia with high treason and incitement to religious hatred by Ukrainian authorities. The State Bureau of Investigation alleges Novynskyi, a member of the banned Opposition Bloc, promoted pro-Russian narratives and acted as a handler for the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, following the instructions of Patriarch Kirill. He fled Ukraine after the full-scale invasion began and continues to engage in subversive activities abroad. A conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
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Vadym Novynskyi, a former Ukrainian lawmaker and a prominent figure within the Moscow-backed Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has been charged with high treason and incitement to religious hatred. The charges, brought by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), were issued in absentia, highlighting the fact that Novynskyi is currently outside of Ukraine. The SBI’s announcement, while not explicitly naming him, included details and a video clearly identifying the accused.
Novynskyi’s past is deeply intertwined with pro-Russian politics. He was a member of the Opposition Bloc, a political party known for its pro-Russian stance, which was banned in Ukraine following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. His considerable wealth, estimated at $1.4 billion by Forbes in 2023, further fuels speculation about his connections and activities. The investigation alleges that he actively promoted Russian narratives both before and after the 2014 invasion, actively working to cultivate anti-government sentiment and justify Russia’s aggression.
The SBI specifically labeled Novynskyi as a “handler” for the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in Ukraine. His close ties to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the ROC, are well-documented; the SBI statement details Novynskyi’s hierarchical subordination to Kirill and his adherence to the Patriarch’s instructions. These accusations paint a picture of Novynskyi not merely as a sympathizer, but as an active agent working within the Ukrainian political and religious landscape to advance Russian interests. These allegations, along with the sanctions imposed against him in December 2022, illustrate the severity of the accusations and the significant concern regarding his actions.
Following the full-scale invasion, Novynskyi resigned from his parliamentary seat and fled the country. However, the SBI alleges that he continues to engage in subversive activities on behalf of Russia, further emphasizing his suspected role in undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. The potential penalties, if convicted, are severe: up to 15 years imprisonment, with or without confiscation of assets. The gravity of the charges and the potential punishment underscore the significance of this case within the ongoing conflict.
The case against Novynskyi highlights the complex interplay between politics, religion, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. His alleged actions raise important questions about the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in supporting Russia’s war effort. The church’s connection to the FSB, as mentioned in some commentary, paints a picture of possible state-sponsored infiltration, highlighting the significance of this case in a broader context. The accusation also casts light on the potential for individuals with significant wealth and political influence to be used as instruments of foreign interference.
The massive wealth Novynskyi amassed also warrants examination. The scale of his fortune, combined with his alleged activities, necessitates further investigation into the origins of his wealth and potential connections to Russian funding. This aspect underscores the potential for economic leverage to be used in efforts to destabilize Ukraine. The charges, therefore, represent a significant legal challenge, not only to Novynskyi personally, but also to the network of influence he’s alleged to have cultivated. The case promises to provide further insight into the intricate web of connections facilitating Russian influence within Ukraine and the methods employed to destabilize the nation.
Ultimately, the case against Vadym Novynskyi stands as a compelling illustration of the multifaceted conflict in Ukraine, a conflict extending far beyond military action to include deep-seated efforts at political subversion and ideological manipulation. His trial, if it takes place, will be closely watched, not only for its implications on Novynskyi but also for what it reveals about the methods employed by Russia to wage its war against Ukraine.