The Russian Orthodox Church is creating its own private military companies that recruit and train mercenaries for the war against Ukraine, the SBU reports, as quoted by the Correspondent.

One such company of mercenaries called “Andrei’s Cross” operates near the Kronstadt Maritime Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Its representatives are recruiting parishioners to enlist in the Russian army.

After enlisting in the ranks of private companies, mercenaries undergo a course of military-tactical training under the guidance of instructors from the Russian special services. In order not to gain publicity, training is held exclusively on the territory of the cathedral, as well as on special training grounds.

Such mercenary companies are financed by representatives of financial and industrial groups close to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

The money goes to the accounts of the Russian Orthodox Church in the form of charitable contributions and donations for the “construction of religious buildings”, Rador Radio Romania quotes.

However, the information provided by the SBU cannot be verified from independent sources.