Russia Uses U.S. Religious Freedom Debate to Target Ukraine Aid, Report Says

A new report claims Russia is funding a lobbying campaign in Washington. The goal is to convince U.S. lawmakers that Ukraine persecutes Christians. This information comes from a study by the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at George Washington University. The report states that Russian entities have spent millions on this effort since 2020. The campaign reportedly uses U.S.-based conservative Christian groups and lobbyists. They promote the narrative that the Ukrainian government suppresses religious freedom. Experts say this narrative is false and is a form of "malign influence." The strategic aim, according to the report's author, is to make support for Ukraine seem against "American values." By framing Ukraine as an opponent of religious rights, Russia hopes to turn U.S. public opinion and key politicians against military aid for Kyiv. The report highlights how international conflicts are increasingly fought through information and lobbying in foreign capitals. It warns that these efforts seek to exploit existing political divisions within the United States.