Ukrainian Intelligence Concerned About Russian Orthodox Church Activity in Africa

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has expressed concern over the missionary activity of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in African countries. This was reported by intelligence representative Andriy Yusov, who claimed that the ROC is allegedly forming pro-Russian networks under the guise of religious work, thus spreading narratives favorable to the Kremlin. The report was published by Ukrainian digital media outlet New Voice of Ukraine.

The statement emphasizes that one of the key instruments of such influence has been the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, established by the Moscow Patriarchate in December 2021 in response to the recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria.

According to The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, in several African countries the ROC has initiated the transfer of clergy under its jurisdiction, presenting it as protection against church schism. Ukrainian intelligence also claims that the ROC is building churches and implementing educational projects in the region, which, in their view, are aimed at fostering trust in “Moscow’s narratives.”

“The aggressor state is actively exporting not only weapons to Africa but also ‘Orthodoxy’. The Church is being used as a tool of influence and to undermine legitimate church structures. This is yet another element of Russia’s hybrid expansion,” said Yusov.

Earlier, it was reported that the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine had released information stating that the Russian Orthodox Church had allegedly appointed “new curators for Ukraine.” According to HUR, the list includes four ROC hierarchs, among them the Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, Metropolitan Anthony (Sevryuk). According to the intelligence service, these hierarchs are expected to coordinate subversive activities in Ukraine.