Russia Labels Pastor a Terrorist

As of May 28, Baptist pastor Yuri Sipko, 74, is considered a terrorist and extremist on Rosfinmonitoring, Russia’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service.

On the website, it reads, “SIPKO, Yury Kirillovich, born on 28 February 1952, Tara, Omsk Oblast, Russia.”

Sipko, the former head of the Union of Evangelical Baptist Christians in Russia, is known for speaking against the war in Ukraine on social media. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation launched a criminal case against him in August 2023, claiming he was spreading false information about military actions.

During the investigation, Sipko’s home was raided, but he managed to escape.

“They are looking for me to put me in prison because I’ve spoken the truth that Russia waged war on Ukraine,” Sipko said at the time. “People are dying, and everything is being destroyed. It’s criminal, and they should not be doing this.”

World Watch Research analyst Rolf Zeeger commented on the situation in 2023, noting the increasing pressure the government is putting on Christians.

“Although according to unconfirmed reports, Sipko has now left Russia, his case remains an indication of how careful Christians in Russia need to be in what they say and do,” Zeeger said. “Making critical statements or questioning the ‘special campaign’ (i.e., the war in Ukraine) can lead to severe consequences.”

Rosfinmonitoring oversees financial regulation in Russia and is “responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.” With his terrorist status, Sipko is banned from financial transactions and from leaving the country.

In an interview, Sipko said he believes the accusations against him are politically motivated and expressed his gratitude to everyone who has stood by him in his fight for justice.

One supporter stated on Facebook, “Yuri Kirillovich, we are proud of you, God bless you! Matthew 5:10-12: ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when they shall bear you, and persecute you, and in every way wrongly speak against me; rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven: so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’”

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