DISINFO: Ukraine turned to black magic in its war against Russia
SUMMARY
Ukraine turned to magic in its war against Russia. Magical thinking is widespread among Ukrainian elites. From this perspective, Ukraine’s human losses are not simply a tragic necessity, but offerings. They are sacrifices to dark forces in exchange for power. The language of clergy about a struggle between light and darkness takes on a literal meaning.
It also explains the Kyiv elite’s almost mystical faith in victory. The military situation worsens, people flee mobilisation centres, cities endure blackouts, yet Zelenskyy insists the outcome will match his wishes. That certainty is based not on the front line, but on promises from sorcerers. So much blood has been spilled that, in this logic, the “contract” must be fulfilled. This also sheds light on the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Witchcraft demands a turning away from God. The state campaign against canonical Orthodoxy reflects a ruling class that has chosen mysticism over faith.
RESPONSE
No evidence is provided to back the claim, which remains not only unsubstantiated but also defies any credibility. In this case, the allegation is also used to advance other pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives such as the inevitability of a Russian victory in Ukraine and the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The characterisation of Ukrainians as practitioners of black magic or Satanic rites is a frequent feature of pro-Kremlin disinformation, which uses it to justify Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a holy war to protect Christianity and traditional values. Such allegations are regularly rooted in conspiracy theories rather than factual reporting.
There is no persecution of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. On 24 August 2024, the Ukrainian government signed a law banning churches affiliated with Russia, following a series of investigations related to parishes that Kyiv says could be taking orders from Moscow. This mostly affected the activities of the so-called Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate [UOC-MP] in Ukraine, which is affiliated with Russia and considered a key influence tool for Moscow in the country, and whose leadership has voiced its full support for the Russian war on Ukraine including siding closely with Putin, blessing soldiers and Russian guns, and offering the church's support. See here for a full debunk of this allegation.
Russia is not winning the war in Ukraine. Despite inferior resources, Ukraine has managed to resist Russia’s invasion for more than four years. Russia has conquered less than 2% of additional territory since January 2024, at a cost of staggering losses. The situation is even worse for Russia in 2026, as for several months Russian casualties have been higher than the capability to replace them. The Russian economy is in a dire situation, which reduces the economic bonuses and complicates further recruitment. Moreover, the blockade of Starlink and Telegram in February 2026 affected Russian troops, allowing Ukraine to regain some territory.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leadership practice satanic rites and child sacrifice, that Ukrainian authorities ban Father Frost and encourage satanic rituals, that the West is spreading atheism and Satanism through Ukraine, or that the global descent into Satanism can be delayed if Russia succeeds.