HYBRID WAR: THE INFLUENCE OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH ON THE UKRAINIAN MEDIA

Abstract

This article examines the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as a key instrument of hybrid warfare against Ukraine. It analyzes the ROC's primary strategies for influencing Ukraine's information space, particularly through religious rhetoric manipulation and the exploitation of ecclesiastical structures to disseminate pro-Kremlin narratives. The study identifies key mechanisms of the ROC's media influence, including direct control over religious media outlets, active participation of clergy in promoting Russian propaganda narratives, financial backing of pro-Russian media projects, and systematic disinformation campaigns about Ukraine's religious landscape. Key findings demonstrate the destructive consequences of this hybrid warfare: exacerbation of interfaith tensions leading to societal polarization and local religious conflicts, erosion of Ukrainian national identity, and targeted manipulation of public consciousness through disinformation undermining trust in state institutions. The authors propose a comprehensive counterstrategy encompassing: state oversight of media resources, safeguarding information sovereignty, legislative reforms to strengthen information security frameworks, support for autocephalous churches, media literacy initiatives, and the production of high-quality alternative religious content.