The Russian Orthodox Church in Israel is commonly viewed as a religious institution whose purpose is to serve the many Orthodox pilgrims who visit the country each year. However, beyond its role as a community of believers, the church constitutes a significant political actor in Russia’s efforts to expand its influence in Israel in particular and the Middle East in general. In practice, the Russian Orthodox Church, through its institutions and representatives, serves as a governing arm of the Putinist regime in Israel. As the issue...
The Russian presidential election that was held on March 15–17 provided Russian military bloggers with an opportunity to promote a pro-Putin and pro-war narrative. An analysis of posts from three leading Telegram channels that appeared in the four months preceding the election indicates their connection with promoting the legitimacy of the government and continuing the war in Ukraine. In the election campaign, the posts depicted Ukraine and the West as antidemocratic and as trying to sabotage Russian democracy. Putin, for his part,...
