Deep сauses of military failures
The fact that Zaluzhnyi has finally been allowed to speak about the events of past days, I regard as a positive sign. The “expired guarantor” is gradually being squeezed, subtle but unmistakable hints are being sent – even by the British. And this is only a small fraction of what could now be said about the global military miscalculations of the ruling team.
The counteroffensive looked like sheer absurdity and pure showmanship. It was blared from every iron – by taxi drivers and grandmothers, by popular bloggers and military “experts.” Dates were constantly postponed due to delays in weapons deliveries; everything dragged on endlessly. Personally, I hoped it would be canceled or at least delayed – the obviousness of it all was glaring. On the Russian side, they knew perfectly well what was coming and prepared thoroughly: over more than sufficient time they built a powerful, multi-layered defensive line. To storm such fortifications head-on was madness – deep trenches and bunkers, endless minefields, dense rows of well-prepared artillery and machine-gun positions. The enemy was fully informed and waiting for us.
For me, this became one of the clearest examples of how our army was driven more by a thirst for PR than by sound military judgment. Ukraine lacked much – at times even the most basic necessities: no strike aviation, insufficient missiles and artillery. But there was the demand from “Number One” – advance at any cost. Western partners also applied heavy pressure, demanding visible action in return for their support – and who dares refuse such gentlemen? The successes of late 2022 and early 2023 gave rise to inflated expectations and reckless decisions.
The result was predictable – nothing good. It was clear from the outset, when substantial breakthroughs failed to materialize almost anywhere. But did that stop the great strategists? Even realizing the mistake, they stubbornly continued for months to send fresh brigades and newly received, expensive equipment into certain defeat. After all, the fairy tales about “the borders of ’91” and coffee in Yalta had to be justified somehow. This adventure cost us tens of thousands of dead and wounded, and hundreds of modern tanks, armored vehicles, rocket systems, and artillery pieces. In that offensive, close friends of mine were killed for the first time – along with many other motivated and well-trained volunteers. It severely undermined morale. Everyone saw clearly how far removed the highest command was from reality – and how recklessly tens of thousands of lives could be sacrificed for triumphant headlines and praise from Western overseers.
Zaluzhnyi was indeed against it – that leaked from various sources; informed people spoke of it, and his own reaction betrayed it. He sulked, he was tense, and he remained silent. He opposed the decision, yet did nothing, fully understanding how flawed it was. He should have protested then – that would have mattered. His statement now, though correct, lacks both timeliness and the courage expected of a responsible commander. It feels more like justification – an explanation of who was truly in command.
After that, our military achievements began to deflate. I recall no major victories or large-scale liberations since. Yet any turning point in war has not only visible causes, but subtle, almost mystical ones – unseen by the masses. I noticed them immediately, connected the dots, and now share them with you.
Just before the offensive, the most aggressive phase of the seizure of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra began. In April and May, even before the counteroffensive launched in early June, churches were being taken by force, keys to the caves containing the relics of saints were confiscated, parishioners were barred from entering, monks were being driven out. The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra – the principal shrine of our country – was once again subjected to takeover, as it had been a century earlier. Under its very walls, mass gatherings of aggressive fringe groups and self-proclaimed satanists were held in support of this outrage.
Across the country, churches and monasteries of the UOC were seized en masse – sometimes by the vilest, gangster methods: priests and elderly parishioners beaten by masked thugs, all under the protection of police and authorities. This drew harsh condemnation in the Christian world and from numerous political leaders.
My deep conviction is that these satanic actions deprived us of a significant share of higher support, military fortune, and even the help of Mother Nature. Any mystic knows that a nation’s defense is not only its troops and weapons – it is also its spiritual field, the religious egregores formed by its citizens, the believers and practitioners of its land. And here the largest spiritual organization was marginalized and attacked mercilessly. If certain clergy violated the law – punish them. But to comb an entire multi-million community with the same brush, when the overwhelming majority of its faithful are Ukrainian patriots – this is madness. Over one hundred thousand parishioners are now serving at the front. I can imagine no more reckless decision. That was when I began to suspect that behind these ill-timed and destructive actions lay not only political motives but satanic intent aimed at eroding a vast segment of Orthodoxy.
In 2011, I underwent treatment at Dr. Danilov’s vertebrology clinic near the Lower Lavra. After procedures, one could not sit for at least an hour – only walk or stand. I began attending services, especially at the seminary Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos, though I visited other places as well. Over five months of treatment, I became like a regular parishioner – they recognized me and greeted me. I was healed not only physically – this daily pilgrimage profoundly supported me spiritually and psychologically during a difficult period. For the next ten years, several times a month on Saturdays at noon, I attended the service to St. Agapitus the Healer of the Caves at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.” A short 45-minute service, a sermon, the bringing out of the relic – one could venerate it, receive anointing. Even coming from a different tradition, it brought immense joy, contact with grace, and healing energy.
I give my word as a man and a sincere oath from the heart: in more than ten years of attending the Lavra, I never once heard a political appeal, not even a hint of propaganda. Every sermon, every conversation with monks and clergy was exclusively spiritual in content. I state this with full responsibility. I also stayed several times for at least a week during Great Lent in the Pochaiv Lavra – one of my favorite, heart-warming places. I posted and streamed from there. Dozens of services and sermons – never once did I hear politics. Not once.
All these labels invented by green propaganda about the “danger” and “hostility” of the UOC are nothing more than another method of dividing and setting Ukrainians against one another. I ask those who support this madness: have you personally heard anti-Ukrainian rhetoric there? No one has answered yes – only secondhand retellings from other propagandists. I am convinced that demonic motives drive rulers who are not merely non-Christians but adherents of occult cults and graveyard magic. The change of church calendar dates I also consider a deeply misguided decision that weakens tradition and unity among a people that is overwhelmingly Orthodox. Natural and spiritual forces do not function by decree. Dark forces are actively eroding spirituality in this country – and I feel compelled to write this. This is my understanding, perception, revelation, and logical conclusion. The satanists have not only bewitched part of the population – they are destroying the last strongholds of genuine religion. And that was also a powerful source of support and protection for our land.
In most of the churches and monasteries seized by force – emptiness reigns: churches closed, monks gone, no services, parishioners absent. What the modern Komsomol members achieved by this – no one knows.
Let me be clear: I am categorically opposed to political propaganda in any religious organization whatsoever. I consider it a profanation, a spiritual disqualification, a deception of parishioners who come seeking eternal values. I support a law that strictly prohibits and severely punishes political agitation in such places. But everything must be done properly – with evidence and a court ruling. Not by plundering and persecuting the largest religious community for the individual misdeeds or biases of a few clergy.
I am deeply disappointed – and to some extent even contemptuous – of those who called themselves regular parishioners but fell silent when the Church needed support. They attended services, received Communion, baptized children, married – and in the difficult hour stepped aside. It was their test – and so the Lord may step aside when they themselves need help.
Shapeshifters and ghouls rule the ball in this country. The more I reflect, study, and analyze the situation, the more convinced I become. Sadly, representatives of other confessions – among whom there are many worthy and spiritually advanced people – also remain silent. It benefits them; competitors are conveniently removed. But they are mistaken: for the satanists, this is only the beginning. Soon they will come for you as well – your parishes and your flock. A life rooted in the Church is the best defense against the spells of dark magic now so actively imposed on the population. Any genuine spirituality, any monks who practice seriously, are irreconcilable enemies for demons.
No government that wages war against authentic spirituality has ever ended well. That is an iron law of history. A law of the universe. And the sooner we realize it, the lower the price our entire people will pay for awakening.
Lord, cleanse the hearts of the people of Ukraine from anger, fear, and sorcerous delusion. Restore to the nation clarity of mind, the ability to distinguish light from darkness, truth from falsehood. Renew in us living faith and will, and the strength to defend it from all impurity. So be it.
