Orthodox Church

Russia is deploying Orthodox Christian relics, including remains of medieval princes and saints, with troops and military units, blending religious symbolism with the war effort. The practice reflects the close alliance between the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church, which has framed the conflict as a holy cause. Observers see it as part of a broader effort to boost morale and legitimize the war through nationalism and faith.

The Russian Orthodox Church has rejected claims that Russian troops lost the relics of a medieval warrior prince during the war in Ukraine. The relics, venerated as those of a revered military saint, were reportedly unaccounted for amid the fighting. The denial has drawn attention to the intertwining of Orthodox heritage, nationalist symbolism, and the conflict, with observers questioning how such sacred artifacts are being handled or used in wartime messaging.