The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) will create a religious community in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. This decision to establish the community and build a church was made in response to a request from Russian-speaking Orthodox believers.
This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD).
The post highlights that the expansion of the ROC’s presence abroad is occurring alongside Moscow’s active foreign policy strategy in the Global South. The Kremlin systematically utilizes church structures as a "soft power" tool to build communities associated with Russia.
The CCD believes that these church communities can serve as a platform for consolidating Russian-speaking "compatriots" and local residents who hold pro-Russian views. Through these communities, informal networks of contacts are established that can later be leveraged to advance the Kremlin's interests.
Therefore, the development of church infrastructure abroad is not merely a religious activity; it also aligns with Russia’s strategy to expand its influence in the Global South, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation.