Russian Orthodox Church suspends priest who blessed Ukraine-bound fighters


  • World
  • Friday, 27 Mar 2015

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Russian Orthodox Church has suspended a priest who publicly blessed a group of fighters heading to eastern Ukraine, encouraging them to battle government troops he called "fascist scum".

Vladimir Zaytsev, from the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, was filmed on March 12 sending off some 50 camouflaged fighters, some wearing balaclavas and waving the flags of two pro-Russian regions that want to break away from Ukraine.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant temporarily lost power overnight, IAEA says
Shooting at South African bar leaves 11 dead, including a young child, police say
US cites progress in meeting with Ukraine officials, sets further talks
Australian authorities urge thousands to flee New South Wales bushfires
Russian drones, missiles hit Ukraine power and transport sectors, Kyiv says
India caps airfares as IndiGo crisis leaves hundreds stranded for fifth day
FIFA faces backlash after awarding first Peace Prize to Donald Trump
UN agency says Chornobyl nuclear plant's protective shield damaged
Canada removes Syria from its list of foreign state supporters of terrorism
Spain to slaught 30,000 pigs amid swine fever control measures

Others Also Read