Ukraine’s domestic security service has launched an investigation into a monastery in Kyiv amid allegations that it has been operating an unlicensed school using Russian-language instruction and Soviet-era educational materials. The case has reignited a sensitive national debate over religion, identity, and alleged Russian influence during a war that Kyiv increasingly frames not only as a military struggle, but as a battle for cultural and generational sovereignty.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed that it is examining “possible unlawful activity” at the Holosiiv Pustyn monastery, a religious site affiliated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church linked historically to the Moscow Patriarchate. According to the SBU, the inquiry is part of a criminal proceeding, and a pretrial investigation is currently underway. Officials did not immediately specify potential charges, but the focus appears to be on violations of Ukrainian education laws and concerns about ideological influence on minors.

The investigation follows reporting by the Ukrainian investigative outlet Slidstvo.Info, which revealed that a full-time, unlicensed school had been operating on the monastery’s grounds. The school, according to journalists, functioned much like a conventional primary and secondary institution, despite being described by its director as a “family club.”

Reporters found that classes were held five days a week, typically from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with additional after-school programming. More than 60 students, ranging from first to ninth grade, were enrolled, and at least 16 teachers were employed. While the children were officially registered at licensed Ukrainian schools,........

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