U.S. Institute of Peace

11/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2024 10:23

How Ukraine is Navigating Russia’s Weaponization of Religion

Since 2014, Ukraine has been trying to repel escalating Russian aggression. But while Russia is a much larger country, with far more weaponry and manpower, their efforts to undermine Ukrainian state sovereignty extend far beyond armed combat. The Kremlin has used its close ties to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) to weaponize religion in favor of Russian interests.