Ukrainian military intelligence reports that the Russian Orthodox Church, under the guise of a "spiritual mission," is establishing pro-Russian networks to promote narratives that benefit the Kremlin.
This was reported by LB.ua.
The Kremlin is actively using the Russian Orthodox Church as a tool for hybrid influence on the African continent, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
A key aspect of this influence is the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, an organization established by the Russian Orthodox Church in December 2021. This formation was a response to the recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria.
Subsequently, the Russian Orthodox Church initiated the "transfer" of priests in several African countries to its jurisdiction, framing it as a way to “protect them from the schism of the Church.” In retaliation, the Orthodox Church of Alexandria officially labeled the Russian actions as an invasion of its canonical territory.
The Russian Orthodox Church is actively constructing churches in Africa and implementing educational initiatives aimed at fostering trust in Moscow's narratives within the local population.
“The aggressor state is not only exporting weapons but also ‘Orthodoxy’ to Africa. The Church is being utilized as a tool to influence and undermine legitimate church structures. This is another aspect of Russia's hybrid expansion,” stated Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.