Listen to the article
Russian religious and state entities continue to spread disinformation across Europe, according to a new analysis presented at a Brussels forum this week.
Ukrainian experts from the Institute for National Resilience and Security shared findings from their investigation into Russian propaganda activities targeting France, Spain, Belgium, and Hungary during the “Resilient Europe: Countering Russian Propaganda and Disinformation” event hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee.
“We showed which narratives are the most destructive, which Russian organizations are shaping these narratives, and which are acting most aggressively in the information space,” said Rena Marutian, Director of the Institute, in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform.
The study identified Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian federal agency focused on “promoting Russian culture abroad,” and the Russian Orthodox Church as particularly aggressive actors in European information spaces.
According to Marutian, the Russian Orthodox Church strategically establishes physical presence near critical infrastructure across Europe. “They seek to build churches near critical and military infrastructure facilities in European countries,” she noted, specifying that these locations often include “military units, bridges, airports, and nuclear fuel production plants.”
The expert pointed to a concerning pattern where land for such religious facilities is frequently acquired through Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation—highlighting what she describes as direct links between ostensibly religious operations and Russia’s military-industrial complex.
Rossotrudnichestvo was characterized by Marutian as “one of Russia’s strongest soft-power tools.” The organization recently expanded its presence by opening a new “Russian House” in Brussels, adding to its extensive network across Western Europe, with particularly strong representation in France and Portugal.
The analysis revealed several predominant disinformation narratives targeting European audiences. A key economic narrative suggests that supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression is damaging the European Union’s economic stability. Other messaging attempts to inflame societal tensions by exploiting ethnic and religious differences within European countries.
“In France, with the help of Russian funding, far-right forces are organizing antisemitic actions and attacking synagogues,” Marutian claimed, explaining that such activities aim to “undermine the internal political security of the European Union.”
Another prevalent narrative identified in the research portrays the European Union as militarily unprepared and inherently weak, suggesting resistance against Russia would be futile. This is frequently coupled with claims that NATO would abandon European countries in the event of a military conflict, attempting to sow doubt about collective security arrangements.
The Brussels forum attendees expressed significant interest in the Ukrainian analysis. Rather than prescribing specific countermeasures, the Ukrainian experts offered their experience in dealing with Russian information operations as a potential resource for their European counterparts.
The presentation comes as Ukrainian defense intelligence officials note increased Russian hybrid warfare activities across Europe. Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Vadym Skibitskyi recently confirmed in a separate interview with Ukrinform that Russia has intensified such measures on what he termed the “European front.”
The European Union has requested additional research from the Ukrainian institute, suggesting growing concern about the sophistication and scope of Russian influence operations targeting member states as the war in Ukraine continues into its third year.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
While freedom of religion is important, the reported actions of the Russian Orthodox Church in Europe are highly problematic. Establishing a physical presence near critical infrastructure seems like a clear attempt to exert influence and control. This deserves a strong response from European leaders.
Interesting to see how Russia is reportedly using religious groups to advance its agenda in Europe. This highlights the complex interplay between religion, politics, and propaganda. I wonder what specific tactics and narratives the Russian Orthodox Church and other groups are employing.
Yes, the strategic placement of churches near critical infrastructure is quite concerning. It suggests an attempt to leverage religious influence for political and military purposes.
The Ukrainian expert’s warnings about Russia’s use of religious groups to advance its agenda are alarming. It’s a tactic we’ve seen authoritarian regimes employ before to sow division and undermine democratic institutions. Robust counter-measures will be essential to protect European values and security.
This is a concerning trend that bears close monitoring. The use of religious organizations as a tool of state propaganda is a worrying development. I hope the European authorities are able to effectively counter these efforts to spread disinformation and undermine democratic institutions.
Agreed. The ability of authoritarian regimes to co-opt religious institutions for political gain is a serious threat that democratic societies must remain vigilant against.
This is a disturbing development that highlights the lengths to which the Russian government will go to exert its influence. Using religious organizations as a tool of propaganda and control is a cynical and potentially dangerous strategy. European leaders must act decisively to counter these efforts.
Absolutely. The strategic placement of churches near critical infrastructure is a clear sign that the Russian Orthodox Church is being leveraged for political and potentially even military purposes. This cannot be tolerated.