How Has Religion Played a Role in the Russia-Ukraine Divide?

When we think of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, we usually focus on politics, military strategy, or energy. But religion—especially the Orthodox Church—has played a quiet but powerful role in deepening the divide between the two nations.

At first glance, both Russians and Ukrainians share the same faith tradition: Eastern Orthodoxy. But over the years, that shared religious heritage has become yet another battleground—one where identity, power, and independence are at stake.

Shared geography masks a deeper spiritual and cultural rift that continues to grow between Ukraine and Russia.

It All Goes Back to Kyiv

Ironically, the spiritual roots of Russian Orthodoxy are found in Ukraine. In 988 AD, Prince Volodymyr of Kyiv (also known as Vladimir) converted to Christianity and baptized the people of Kievan Rus, a medieval state centered in Kyiv. This moment is seen as the birth of Orthodox Christianity in the region.

Both Ukraine and Russia trace their spiritual ancestry to that event. But after the Mongol invasions and the fall of Kievan Rus, the religious center of power slowly shifted to Moscow, and that’s where things began to diverge.

The Russian Orthodox Church’s Power

For centuries, the Russian Orthodox Church was closely tied to the state. Under the Tsars and later under Putin, it acted as a kind of moral and national backbone of Russian identity.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Church re-emerged as a powerful cultural force in Russia. It supported Putin, backed conservative social values, and promoted the idea of a “spiritual unity” between Russia and Ukraine.

In this worldview, Ukraine isn’t just a neighbor—it’s part of the same religious family. And just like with politics, any move toward independence is seen as betrayal.

The Ukrainian Church Breaks Away

That’s exactly what happened in 2018. After years of tension, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church formally broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church and established its own, independent body: the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

This move was recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (the global leader of the Eastern Orthodox world), but not by Moscow. In fact, the Russian Church cut ties with Constantinople over it.

For Ukraine, this was about religious sovereignty. It was a chance to reclaim its spiritual independence and break free from centuries of Russian dominance.

“When Ukraine broke from Moscow’s church, it wasn’t just spiritual—it was revolutionary. Faith became a declaration of independence.”

For Russia, it was a huge blow—not just religiously, but symbolically. Losing Ukraine meant losing a core part of the narrative that Russia and Ukraine are “one people under one church.”

Churches in Conflict

Since the split, tensions between Ukrainian and Russian-affiliated churches have grown. There have been disputes over property, cathedrals, and allegiances. In many Ukrainian communities, the question of which church you attend has become deeply political.

And during the current war, it’s gotten even more intense. Ukrainian authorities have accused clergy loyal to Moscow of spreading pro-Russian propaganda, and in some cases, even helping with Russian military operations.

In response, Ukraine has moved to limit the influence of Russian-affiliated churches, sparking fierce debates over freedom of religion vs. national security.

Why It All Matters

Religion might seem secondary to war and politics, but in this conflict, it’s another layer of the same fight: the battle for identity. For centuries, Russia has used religion as a tool to unify—and control—its neighboring states. Ukraine’s religious breakaway is a bold rejection of that influence.

It’s not just about who controls the churches. It’s about who controls the story of who Ukrainians are—and who gets to define their future.

Final Thoughts

The religious split between Ukraine and Russia is about much more than theology. It’s about power, nationhood, and historical memory. As long as Moscow claims to be the spiritual center of the Orthodox world—and Kyiv refuses to bow—that divide will remain deeply emotional and fiercely political.

In Ukraine, the church is no longer just a place of worship. It’s a symbol of freedom.