Attempted abduction of seminary student near Pochaiv Lavra

Country: Ukraine

Date of incident: March 16, 2026


A group of about 15 people allegedly tried to forcibly detain a seminary student and drag him into a minibus by force.

An attempted abduction of a student from the Pochaiv Theological Seminary was reported near the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra in Ukraine on 16 March.

According to reports, around 15 individuals travelling in several vehicles allegedly blocked the student’s path while he was walking toward the monastery. The group is said to have surrounded him, cutting off his ability to move away or seek help, and acted in a coordinated and aggressive manner. Witnesses report that the attackers issued threats, shouted at the student, and exerted strong psychological pressure, before attempting to forcibly detain him and drag him into a minibus.

The attempt was ultimately thwarted after bystanders intervened, forcing the suspects to abandon the scene and flee in their vehicles. The student later required medical attention due to shock caused by the incident.

Local police have recorded the case and launched an investigation.

Source: SPZH

Photo: InfoCatólica