State Duma member accuses anti-war clergy of working for German intelligence
Yana Lantratova. Photo: Duma TV
On May 13, 2025, Yana Lantratova, head of the State Duma Committee for Public and Religious Associations, made sharp accusations against former clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) who have criticized Russia's "special military operation".
In her speech to the deputies, Lantratova stated that religion and faith have become "an integral part of the special military operation, a pillar for the spirit, a source of strength, and a shield against despair and evil." According to her, this sector is now the focus of "a new attack by the collective West" through "false shepherds and false elders".
Lantratova paid particular attention to the organization "Peace to All," which was established in Germany in 2023. She claimed that this organization "operates throughout the Russian-speaking community" and was founded by "the clergy who emigrated to the West and had been defrocked for various reasons in Russia".
"Over its first year of operation, the foundation helped, or in fact recruited, 36 priests," Lantratova said, adding that the members of the organization "publish articles discrediting Russia" and "call for assistance to those who have left, so that they can fight against the special military operation." As an example, she cited Archpriest Andrei Kordochkin.
Lantratova accused the former clergy involved in the organization of "formally preaching help for persecuted priests, while in fact forming an alternative religious movement under the external control of Western intelligence services."
The Russian official also reported that she had appealed to the Prosecutor's Office, asking them to investigate the organization's activities and declare it undesirable in Russia.
"This is an ideological war and a provocation of spiritual division. Before us is not just another NGO project; this is a staged campaign under the guise of peacemaking, aimed at destroying the spiritual foundations of our society," Lantratova emphasized.
In conclusion, the head of the Committee on Religious Associations called for the consolidation of religious patriotic organizations "in matters of defending traditional and spiritual values," noting that "Russia is strong as long as its faith, army, and people remain united."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to ROC clergyman Andrei Tkachev, those calling for peace are influenced by the spirit of the Antichrist.
Read also
Czech authorities intend to seize three largest churches from Church, source
In Prague, preparations have begun to terminate lease agreements concluded with Orthodox church communities.
Rome's basilica bust re-attributed to Michelangelo
A marble bust that has stood for centuries in one of Rome’s basilicas has been re-attributed to Michelangelo after nearly 200 years in obscurity.
In USA, the number of "non-believers" reaches historic high
The share of Americans without religious affiliation has reached a record high, with less than half the population considering faith important.
U.S. defense secretary: War with Iran is fight against “religious fanatics”
The U.S. defense secretary described the conflict with Iran as a struggle against religious fanatics and urged troops to seek a connection with Almighty God.
Dumenko holds religious events at Lavra's Warm Church
Dumenko held an event at the Warm Church of the Lavra for the first time, announcing plans to "return" the shrine under the control of his structure.