In Lutsk, TCC officers detain UPC deacon with valid deferment

In Lutsk, on June 13, 2026, officers of the territorial recruitment center detained Andriy Virny, a deacon of the Church of the Three Hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The clergyman’s relatives insist that his deferment from mobilization is valid, but he continues to be held at the TCC building.

This was reported by Pervy Kazatsky.

According to the source, the incident occurred in Volhynia: TCC officers stopped the vehicle in which Andriy Virny was traveling and claimed that his deferment had allegedly expired. The deacon’s relatives dispute this, asserting that the deferment documents are valid.

The basis for the deferment is reportedly the fact that Father Andriy is a father of many children — he has three children, which entitles him to an exemption from conscription. Despite this, according to the source, the clergyman continues to be held at the Lutsk TCC.

Relatives also reported that during the detention and subsequent actions, TCC officers allegedly used obscene insults directed at the deacon and his mother, linking this to Andriy Virny’s membership in the UPC. According to them, the family was accused and called “zhduns.” The source also notes that four biological brothers of the detained deacon are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Previously, the outlet reported a similar case in Kyiv: TCC officers detained Father Oleksandr Drobyazko, the rector of the Dormition Church of the UPC. The clergyman was taken to a facility, put through a military medical commission, and declared fit for service; he is currently being held at a training unit in the Chernihiv region.