Ukrainian police searched cars and people at the entrance of Kyiv's main Orthodox monastery, over the suspected activities of Russian secret services, reported AFP.

The 11th century Kyiv Pechersk Lavra was formerly under Moscow's jurisdiction, but cut ties with Russia following the military operation.

The checks at the monastery took place as Ukraine's intelligence services, the SBU, raided the home of the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who was suspected of having links with Russia.