Sweden Warns Against Cooperation With Belarusian Nuns Linked to Russian Military Intelligence

Sweden has issued a warning regarding cooperation with Belarusian nuns due to their links with the Russian military intelligence (GRU) and the Moscow Patriarchate.

According to the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation on December 2, the Church of Sweden has officially advised its parishes not to accept nuns from the Belarusian St. Elizabeth Monastery.

“The [Church’s] statement emphasizes that this organization is subordinated to the Moscow Patriarchate, supports the Russian regime, and maintains close ties with the GRU. The decision was made after the nuns began approaching parishes with offers to sell their products at Christmas markets," the center wrote on Telegram.

Swedish authorities consider the monastery’s activities to be part of Russia’s broader hybrid operations.

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According to the center, Russia has a history of using religious organizations for intelligence gathering, influence-building, and disseminating pro-Russian narratives under the cover of "spiritual visits." These so-called "cultural" and "charitable" efforts create a facade of neutrality while potentially facilitating covert activities by Russian intelligence. Consequently, the Church of Sweden has restricted the Belarusian nuns’ access to its platforms.

Earlier, it was reported that a Russian Orthodox church in Västerås, Sweden, is under investigation by local authorities and security agencies due to alleged connections with Russian intelligence, amid growing concerns in Europe over the increasing reach of the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare tactics.

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