Monks of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) may remain in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra if they transfer to the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). This proposal was made by the Minister of Culture of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko, RIA Novosti reports.

According to him, if the property of the monastery is transferred to the state, then the monks "always have a choice." The official also said that "specialists and law enforcement officers will stimulate their decision"

On March 14, the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada asked the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to ensure the eviction of the monks of the UOC from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. They also paid special attention to the preservation and safety of museum exhibits.

Earlier, the administration of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra reserve ordered the monks of the UOC to leave the monastery buildings until March 29. The UOC called such demands an ultimatum and refused to leave the Lavra.