Russian propaganda launches new narrative about persecution of canonical Orthodox Church

Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation reported this. 

“We all prayed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy would become president, so we ask that he does not offend our Lavra, but protects it,” the clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate said in a statement.

This statement was picked up by the pro-Russian media and is now being presented as a persecution of the canonical Orthodox Church.

“Everything is done in such a way that the audience must come to the conclusion that a 'holy war' is inevitable. The Kremlin skillfully manipulates the church issues, making its subordinates look like victims. It also uses this topic to escalate the situation and increase the audience of supporters who will go to 'save' Orthodox Ukrainians,” the Center for Countering Disinformation explained.