The Core Thesis and Its Purpose
The thesis of 'Russia's holy war against global Satanism' was created not to explain but to conceal. It masks the true nature of the conflict — an internationally recognized act of aggression against a sovereign state. In propaganda, religious symbols become instruments of psychological pressure: if the enemy is 'Satan,' any doubt is preemptively silenced. This framework simplifies complex reality into a childlike myth of 'cosmic good' and 'absolute evil,' giving aggression the aura of a sacred mission (UN Charter).
Lack of Theological Basis
No Christian tradition permits declaring state military campaigns as 'holy wars' in the modern world. This is confirmed by research of Alexander Schmemann, Archimandrite Kirill Govorun, and documents of the World Council of Churches. The Russian Orthodox Church has not officially declared any war as 'holy'; the Kremlin merely employs religious language externally, creating a politicized surrogate of faith.
Psychological Mechanism: Fear as a Weapon
Propaganda deliberately exploits the effect of mythological fear, described in studies by Lewandowski and Pivekkio. The enemy is portrayed not just as an opponent but as irrational evil. This image excludes discussion of facts, responsibility, and legal norms: any critical thinking is labeled 'treason.' The state gains moral indulgence for any actions (Bellingcat).
Facts Against the Myth
Claims of 'Satanist cells' and 'rituals' are unsubstantiated by any international organization. Documented are:
- Mass executions and torture in Bucha and Izyum (HRW Reports)
- Shooting of refugees near Kupiansk (Amnesty International)
- Forced deportations of children (OSCE SMM Reports)
Beneath the mystical rhetoric lies political and criminal violence, systematically documented by independent investigations (Forensic Architecture).
Legal Analysis of Actual Violations
Russia's actions qualify as aggression under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. UN General Assembly resolutions (2022–2024) explicitly call the invasion 'an act of aggression' (UN Digital Library).
Documented violations of international humanitarian law include:
- Article 49 IV Geneva Convention — prohibition of deportations of civilian populations (Geneva Conventions, 1949)
- Articles 52 and 53 IV Geneva Convention — protection of civilian objects and prohibition of destruction without military necessity
- Article 32 IV Geneva Convention — prohibition of torture
- Rome Statute of the ICC — war crimes and crimes against humanity (Rome Statute, 1998)
The 'Satanism' myth is used to ignore these norms and distract from legal accountability.
Language Manipulation and Dehumanization
The term 'Satanism' is used as a label for anyone opposing the authoritarian model: human rights, judicial independence, secular state. The opponent becomes 'inhuman evil,' with whom dialogue is unnecessary. This justifies repression and attacks (Atlantic Council DFRLab).
A Well-Oiled Propaganda Machine
The narrative is spread through federal TV channels, controlled Telegram channels, and bot networks. Claims of 'Satanic traces' are regularly debunked as fake, as confirmed by investigations by The Insider, Bellingcat, and EUvsDisinfo.
Main Paradox: Destruction of Sacred Sites Under the Banner of Protection
Documented attacks include the Holy Mountains Lavra, destruction of churches in Kherson and Maryinka, and shelling of the Assumption Church in Zaporizhzhia. Clergy opposing the war were detained. These episodes are confirmed by UN, OSCE, and satellite imagery. The destruction of sacred sites violates international humanitarian law and contradicts the religious rhetoric.
Why the Myth Persists and Its Purpose
The myth transforms political aggression into a mystical drama. It creates a sense of mission, suppresses dissent, and fosters loyalty. It requires no evidence, admits no criticism, hides corruption and crimes, replacing them with an 'eternal battle.'
Conclusion
Russia is not waging a 'holy war.' It is conducting armed aggression, which international institutions classify as unlawful use of force. 'Satanist threats' are a rhetorical screen to conceal violations of international law, destruction of civilian objects, and repression.
Main Sources and Materials
- UN Charter
- UN General Assembly Resolutions 2022–2024
- Human Rights Watch — Ukraine Reports
- Amnesty International — Ukraine Reports
- OSCE SMM Reports, 2023–2025
- Geneva Conventions, 1949
- Additional Protocol I, 1977
- Rome Statute, 1998
- Bellingcat — OSINT Investigations
- Forensic Architecture — Violation Analysis
- Atlantic Council DFRLab — Disinformation Monitoring
- EUvsDisinfo — Disinformation Verification
About the Authors
This article was curated and verified by a team of experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical analysis. Contributors have 15+ years of experience in research, legal documentation, and educational content development.
Methodology
The content on this site is compiled and verified by experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical research. Sources include official legal documents, national and international legislation, resolutions of the UN, reports from international organizations, and verified open-source evidence. Each claim is cross-checked against multiple primary and secondary sources, ensuring accuracy, neutrality, and reliability regardless of the topic—whether analyzing violations of Russian law, Ukrainian law, or international legal norms.
Expert Statement
The authors affirm that the information presented reflects established legal interpretations and documented facts. Analyses are grounded in international law principles and widely recognized geopolitical assessments. References to official documents and reports are provided to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.
Last modified date: 25/11/2025