Russian expansion through religion in the Global South
Russia has announced a new season of the propaganda project “Globe of Orthodoxy.” The program is hosted by Maria Butina, who previously served 15 months in a U.S. prison for acting as a Kremlin agent. She will promote narratives about Russian Orthodox communities abroad, particularly in the Global South countries.
▫️ This project is part of Russia’s propaganda strategy aimed at promoting the interests of the Kremlin and the concept of the “Russian world” under the guise of religion. It aims to create a favorable image of Russia while highlighting the presence of Russian Orthodox communities worldwide.
The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has long served as a Kremlin tool in hybrid warfare. This project further confirms that Moscow is using religion to expand its political influence globally.
The Center has previously detailed the Russian Orthodox Church’s military involvement, its ties to the Russian armed forces, and its role in legitimizing the Kremlin’s criminal actions.
