Court Extends Preventive Measure for Met. Theodosiy While Rejecting 'Ukrainophobic' Claims
A Cherkasy court extended Met. Theodosiy’s preventive measure on procedural grounds while explicitly rejecting prosecutors’ claims that he held “Ukrainophobic” views or posed a risk to witnesses.
CHERKASY, UKRAINE — On December 26, 2025, the Sosnivsky District Court of Cherkasy extended for two months a preventive measure of personal commitment imposed on Met. Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv, while rejecting the prosecutor’s claims that the hierarch holds “Ukrainophobic sentiments.”
Prosecutor K. Kostenko requested the extension, citing alleged risks that the defendant could evade the court or exert unlawful influence on victims and witnesses. The prosecutor further asserted that Met. Theodosiy had expressed hostility toward Ukrainian authorities and society.
As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, however, in its ruling the court stated that these allegations of "Ukrainophobia" were unfounded and not supported by evidence presented during the proceedings. The court also found that neither it nor the prosecution had established any risk of unlawful influence on witnesses or victims.
The aforementioned preventive measure was extended solely on procedural grounds, due to the seriousness of the charge under Article 436-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which requires a preventive measure during trial.
The Cherkasy Eparchy’s press service noted that some media reports omitted the court’s conclusions, focusing only on the prosecutor’s accusations.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Met. Theodosiy was put under court restriction for two more months.
