Russian Orthodox Church helps Russia’s war effort in occupied parts of Ukraine, officials say

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is taking an active role in supporting military operations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, according to the National Resistance Center (NRC).

In the occupied Kherson Region, church representatives have been working directly with Russian troops. One example cited by the NRC involves a priest in the Crimean Peninsula, Dmitry Krotkov, who received a motorcycle from Russian soldiers for use “in combat missions.” 

Krotkov leads a church linked to Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations and oversees coordination between the church and the military. 

Officials say the Russian Orthodox Church is also setting up so-called church-humanitarian centers that claim to provide charity but actually deliver equipment and supplies to Russian forces. 

“Krotkov is the rector of a church under Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations in Crimea and head of the metropolitan ‘military department,’ which handles ‘coordination with the armed forces.’ Previously, he supervised so-called ‘humanitarian convoys’ and the construction of frontline chapels,” the NRC reported.

Officials also said that this shows how the Kremlin is using the Church to solidify control in occupied territories by blending religion with state propaganda to justify the invasion and make its military presence appear legitimate.