Archpriest Vitaliy Popko. Attempted Unlawful Mobilization of a Priest

Archpriest Vitaliy Popko. Attempted Forced Mobilization of a UOC Priest

October 16, 2025

On October 16, 2025, employees of the TRC abducted the rector of the UOC Church of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God in the city of Kovel — Archpriest Vitaliy Popko.

According to information from the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the UOC, the clergyman was unlawfully detained by representatives of the Lutsk TRC and SP near his place of residence.

The priest supports four minor children — two biological and two adopted orphans.

TRC employees ignored properly executed documents providing grounds for a mobilization deferral.

Father Vitaliy was unlawfully held at a sorting center and was being prepared for transfer to a training ground.

(Source: Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the UOC)

On October 17, 2025, due to public outcry, TRC employees released the clergyman.

(Source: Pershyi Kozatskyi)

Current status:

TRC employees released Father Vitaliy Popko