The Russian Orthodox Church in Europe is masquerading as Ukrainian churches to influence refugees

The Russian Orthodox Church in Europe is being accused of disguising itself as Ukrainian religious communities to exert influence on Ukrainian refugees. This claim is part of a study titled “The Russian Orthodox Church in Europe: Infrastructure of Russian Influence,” conducted by the Institute for National Resilience and Security. The report highlights how Russian Orthodox organizations in Europe operate under different jurisdictions, including the Russian Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

According to the study, these jurisdictions collectively manage up to 660 parishes and are estimated to have between 1 and 1.2 million followers. Germany hosts the largest number of these parishes, with approximately 130, while Poland has up to 15. The researchers suggest that Moscow tailors its activities to local contexts, leveraging influence over local elites and adopting the guise of Ukrainian organizations to engage with refugees.

To attract Ukrainian refugees, these groups provide humanitarian aid, operate children’s centers, and offer psychological counseling. They also conduct worship services in Ukrainian or bilingual settings and use Ukrainian symbols and names. This strategy is part of a broader effort to shape the narrative around Ukrainian refugees and their integration into host countries.

The study also examines the role of Telegram channels that mimic Ukrainian news outlets. These platforms are used to spread pro-Russian narratives, including claims that “Ukraine does not value its own people” and “we will not survive without Russia.” Researchers note that Telegram channels adapt more quickly to local information environments than state-run Russian media, making them a key tool in hybrid influence campaigns.

Rena Marutyun, director of the Institute for National Resilience and Security, emphasized the importance of these channels in spreading pro-Russian messages. She pointed out that they serve as an effective means of influencing public opinion, especially among Ukrainian refugees who may be more vulnerable to such narratives.

The study also highlights the limited presence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) in Germany and Poland, with only 15 parishes operating in these countries. The work of these parishes is largely dependent on the initiative of individual priests. The authors of the report urge governments to support the development of the OCU abroad, strengthen chaplaincy missions, and counter attempts by Russian Orthodox groups to undermine Ukrainian religious communities.

Source: Read the original report