Svyatoslav Kishlar

Svyatoslav Kishlar

Sviatoslav Kyshlar, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Chernivtsi Region, has been directly involved in the persecution of believers and clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church since the launch of the anti-church campaign in 2019.

While serving in the Department of Preventive Activities of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Chernivtsi Region, the official was present during multiple attempts by OCU-affiliated groups to seize UOC churches.

Kyshlar personally attended several assaults on churches and provided comprehensive assistance to criminal groups associated with the OCU.

This included the personal use of force against believers.

In addition, Kyshlar was noted for criminal inaction and even for coordinating actions with groups of militants who attempted to seize the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi.

On 18 May 2019, law enforcement officers assisted OCU supporters in seizing the Dormition Church in the village of Tovtry. According to eyewitness accounts, Kyshlar took part in this crime.

(Source: UOJ)

On 4 May 2020, Sviatoslav Kyshlar was present at the scene of a violent attack by OCU activists on parishioners of the St Michael Church of the UOC in the village of Zadubrovka, Chernivtsi Region.

According to local reports, Kyshlar was aware of the planned attack but failed to take the necessary preventive measures. Moreover, he facilitated the actions of the criminal group.

(Source: UOJ)

In April 2021, Sviatoslav Kyshlar directed police actions and took part in a provocation against parishioners of the St Michael Church of the UOC in the village of Zadubrovka.

Kyshlar deliberately blocked several streets near the church and enabled provocations by local OCU activists.

On 10 April 2022, Sviatoslav Kyshlar participated in the raider seizure of the Dormition Church of the UOC in the village of Mykhalcha, Chernivtsi Region.

Kyshlar personally used force against church parishioners.

On 12 March 2023, Kyshlar was present during an attempted raider seizure of the St Michael Church of the UOC in the village of Zadubrovka, Chernivtsi Region.

Eyewitnesses testify to Kyshlar’s personal involvement in attacks and the use of force against parishioners.(Source: Pershyi Kozatskyi channel)

On 12 April 2025, Sviatoslav Kyshlar took part in the raider seizure of the St Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Verkhni Stanivtsi, Chernivtsi Region.

[Видео/вставка]

(Source: Facebook page “Faithful of the Chernivtsi–Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC”)

On 17 June 2025, Kyshlar was present on the territory of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi during the assault on the church by armed OCU militants.

He demonstrated criminal inaction during the attack on the cathedral’s clergy and parishioners, failed to counter the unlawful actions of OCU raiders, and prevented parishioners from entering the church grounds.

(Source: UOJ)