Russia's Religious Propaganda in Ukraine's Information Warfare

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has been instrumental in disseminating propaganda to support Russia's war against Ukraine, acting as a propaganda arm of the Kremlin. This includes the promotion of narratives that justify the war and depict Ukraine as a persecutor of religious groups. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) has been linked to the ROC and has faced legal actions due to its anti-Ukrainian activities. As of November 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) initiated 208 criminal proceedings against UOC-MP representatives. The ROC and UOC-MP are accused of conducting information campaigns that claim religious persecution in Ukraine, targeting both domestic and international audiences. A recent study by the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security analyzed the narratives used by Russia in this context. The situation is compounded by ongoing military actions and the geopolitical implications of religious affiliations in the region.

Key Points: • The Russian Orthodox Church acts as a propaganda tool for the Kremlin in the Ukraine conflict. • The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate faces legal scrutiny for anti-Ukrainian activities. • 208 criminal cases have been initiated against UOC-MP representatives for their involvement in propaganda.