Russian Orthodox Church's Influence and Lobbying Efforts in the U.S.

A delegation linked to the Russian Orthodox Church is actively lobbying on Capitol Hill, meeting with officials from the Trump administration and the White House Faith Office. This initiative comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the church's role in supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials and pro-Ukraine members of Congress argue that the Russian Orthodox Church serves as a strategic tool for the Kremlin, providing ideological justification for the conflict and facilitating intelligence gathering.

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The Russian Orthodox Church, which has been a staunch supporter of Putin, has faced accusations of using its influence to further Russian interests abroad. The church's involvement in the Ukraine conflict intensified following the full-scale invasion in February 2022, with Patriarch Kirill endorsing the military actions as a "holy war." In response, Ukraine has taken measures against the church, including a ban on the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in August 2024, which targeted its offshoot in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

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The lobbying delegation includes representatives from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which maintains ties to the Moscow patriarchate. Notable figures involved include Peter Flew, a legal representative for the UOC, and Catherine Whiteford, co-chair of the Young Republican National Federation. The delegation aims to address what they describe as escalating religious freedom violations against the UOC by the Ukrainian government, a narrative that has garnered support from some members of the Republican Party.

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A White House official confirmed that the Faith Office will meet with the delegation to discuss the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Meanwhile, House Republicans, led by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), have expressed concerns about potential foreign influence operations by the Russian Orthodox Church in the U.S. They have called for an investigation into the church's activities, citing fears that it could serve as a vehicle for intelligence collection.

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The actions taken by Ukraine against the ROC have drawn criticism from various quarters, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, which view these measures as an infringement on religious freedom. Analysts have warned that Ukraine's aggressive stance may be an overreach, potentially undermining its own commitments to protect religious liberties.

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While the Ukrainian government has justified its actions against the ROC as necessary for national security, critics argue that these measures could be seen as politically motivated persecution. Reports indicate that Ukraine's secret service has initiated over 170 criminal proceedings against UOC priests, with charges ranging from justifying Russian aggression to treason. However, the extent and nature of these allegations remain contested.

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• “The White House Faith Office will meet with a delegation of American representatives from the Orthodox church to discuss the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” — White House Official

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• “This development raises legitimate concerns that ROCOR or other Russian Orthodox jurisdictions could serve as vehicles for intelligence collection or foreign influence operations directed at U.S. policymakers.” — Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.)

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• “in fact being used as an instrument of Russian influence and propaganda by the Kremlin regime” — Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Resolution

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This ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between religion, politics, and international relations, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict and the broader implications for religious freedom.

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