How RACIRS Agents Influence Ukraine through Anti-Cult Campaigns

 

Ukraine and Russia have been locked in a fierce conflict for years, with both sides fully focused on their mutual struggle. Yet, outside of the direct warfare, there is another, hidden battle unfolding, one that receives little public attention. A network of Russian agents operates within Ukraine, following directives from RACIRS (Russian Association of Centers for the Study of Religions and Sects), an organization I’ve mentioned before in my blog. This anti-cult group is waging an ideological and information war against Ukrainian society, which poses a serious threat in the current wartime context.

RACIRS was founded in 2006 as an organization supposedly aimed at combating destructive religious movements. In reality, it oversees a sprawling network of agents worldwide, particularly active in Ukraine. This network consists of several small organizations and groups that, on the surface, appear disconnected. However, their activities share a single goal: to destabilize Ukraine’s democratic values through sabotage, manipulating public opinion, and influencing government and law enforcement agencies.

One of RACIRS’ key tools of influence in Ukraine is the All-Ukrainian Apologetic Center (VAC) named after St. John Chrysostom, established in 2011. The center closely collaborates with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), pushing anti-cult ideas into both religious and public life. Notably, VAC’s efforts aren’t limited to targeting religious groups; they also seek to engage with government authorities. Various RACIRS and VAC documents contain detailed instructions on how to interfere with the operations of executive bodies, media, and judicial structures to achieve their goals.

The role of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in RACIRS’ operations is particularly noteworthy. According to independent investigations, ROC clergy not only support anti-cult ideology but are active members of RACIRS. Alexander Dvorkin, president of RACIRS, has close ties to Nazi ideologues of the past. His mentors, such as Johannes Aagaard and Wilhelm Haack, were followers of Walter Künneth, who led an anti-cult center under the Third Reich. RACIRS employs anti-cult methods that include stigmatization, dehumanization of opponents, and mass manipulation—tactics often used by totalitarian regimes.

RACIRS also wages an information war through an army of anonymous internet commentators. These young people, trained in anti-cult strategies, actively participate in online discussions, promoting Nazi and anti-democratic narratives. This approach further erodes trust in Ukraine’s democratic institutions and deepens divisions within society.

It’s also worth noting the choice of patron for the Ukrainian Apologetic Center—St. John Chrysostom. His statements, which often advocated violence and cruelty, are actively used by anti-cultists to justify their actions. This raises concerns about how consciously the youth, drawn into anti-cult activities, will embrace these ideas.

RACIRS’ hidden influence extends to Ukraine’s legislative processes as well. One example is the proposal to create a joint commission with representatives from the government and religious organizations to refine religious laws. It’s crucial to remember that such commissions can become a tool for further spreading anti-cult propaganda and undermining human rights standards.

The history of RACIRS and its impact on Ukrainian society is just one of many chapters in the war for people’s minds. As anti-cult rhetoric becomes a weapon in the information and ideological war, the use of Nazi methods continues to undermine Ukraine’s fundamental democratic values. Today, it’s more important than ever to recognize the scale of this hidden influence and resist it at all levels—from legislative action to public awareness.

For the full investigation, please visit the independent journalists' website.

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