Experts Sound Alarm on Russian Disinformation Threat to EU and Religious Freedoms

The role of religion in Russian propaganda was a focus of Dietmar Pichler, director of the Disinfo Resilience Network, who detailed how the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has served as a Kremlin tool since the Soviet era. Pichler stated, adding that in 2024, the ROC referred to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "Holy War" to defend "Holy Russia." This rhetoric, Pichler noted, bolsters Russian ideological narratives while justifying acts of aggression.

Dina Shaikhislam, a political consultant, presented how Russian anti-cult organizations, such as RACIRS, actively foment social division within Europe by targeting religious minorities. Through systematic campaigns, they aim to create polarized societies and breed distrust. RACIRS' anti-minority narratives have far-reaching consequences, targeting groups like Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Scientologists.

The conference underscored the global stakes of Russian influence campaigns. Participants, including Ukrainian parliament members Rostyslav Pavlenko and Lesya Zaburanna, alongside U.S. policy experts, committed to advancing collaborative efforts to counteract these divisive tactics.

For a comprehensive overview of the conference, visit Conference Agenda and Disinformation Report.

List of members of coalition against disinformation:

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