A priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is facing trial for collaborating with the occupiers in Crimea

A special pretrial investigation has been completed in Ukraine into Anton Dobosh, a former cleric of the Mukachevo Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church who became a military chaplain in annexed Crimea. He faces up to 12 years in prison.

The Office of the Prosecutor General announced the completion of the pretrial investigation. 

The defendant is a native of the village of Hudia in the Vynogradiv District of Zakarpattia. He previously served as a cleric in the Mukachevo Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In 2015, due to violations of church canons and his pro-Russian stance, he was barred from the priesthood and removed from the clergy roster. That same year, he moved with his family to the annexed city of Sevastopol, joined the Russian Orthodox Church, and became a military chaplain. 

According to the prosecution’s case, Dobosh provides spiritual and ideological support to Russian military personnel. He also publicly justifies the war against Ukraine and has received state and departmental awards from the Russian Federation. In January 2026, he took part in the propaganda exhibition “With God for the Fatherland” at the “New Chersonesos” complex. 

Previously, the deputy of the occupying “minister” of resorts and tourism of Crimea was sentenced in Ukraine to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property. He voluntarily agreed to work in the illegal government body and still holds this position.

Currently, he is involved in organizing the work of the pseudo-ministry, handling issues of so-called state oversight in the tourism sector, and conducting inspection visits. In addition, according to the prosecutor’s office, he performs other tasks necessary for the operation of the illegal body of the occupying authorities.

Юлія Калабайда