Why Russia is sending dead princes and saints into battle

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Russia sends relics of medieval princes to Ukraine front

   Russia is sending relics of medieval princes and saints to its troops on the front lines in Ukraine, including a fragment of the remains of Dmitry Donskoy, a prince who fought for Moscow over six centuries ago. This unusual form of support aims to boost morale and provide 'spiritual strength' to Russian soldiers as they dig in for another winter in eastern Ukraine. The Russian Orthodox Church is involved in this effort, highlighting the close ties between the Kremlin and the church.

   Why it matters

   The war in Ukraine is entering another winter, with Russian troops facing mass casualties and morale issues. The Kremlin is seeking ways to boost soldier morale and justify the ongoing conflict. The use of relics from medieval princes and saints is seen as a way to invoke patriotism and spiritual strength.

   What is confirmed

   • The Russian Orthodox Church sent fragments of a medieval prince's hand to soldiers in the frontlines as a means to raise morale and provide 'spiritual strength'.
   • Russian troops fighting in eastern Ukraine are receiving relics of medieval princes, including Dmitry Donskoy, a prince celebrated in Russia for his role in fighting for Moscow.
   • The Kremlin is using this method to boost morale and provide spiritual support to its soldiers as they face another winter in Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Claims of a massive rescue operation of over 100,000 traumatized children from deep underground tunnels are unconfirmed and appear to be unrelated to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

   What to watch next

   • Further developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict
   • Changes in Russian troop morale and performance
   • The role of the Russian Orthodox Church in supporting the war effort
   Sources used for this update (23)

   1. nypost.com — Russian troops gifted dead prince’s hand in bizarre bid to boost morale as Kremlin suffers mass casualties
   2. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — ‘Mobilizing myth’: Why is Russia sending dead princes, saints into Ukraine battle
   3. www.cnn.com — Why Russia is sending dead princes and saints into battle
   4. CNN — Why Russia is sending dead princes and saints into battle
   5. ua.news — Russia is sending the relics of medieval princes to the front lines in Ukraine – CNN
   6. Межа. Новини України. — Russia Sends Dmitry Donskoy Relic to Troops as Experts Warn of War Propaganda
   7. Global Voices — Pskov’s medieval religious art is being appropriated by the Russian state to support the invasion of Ukraine
   8. Geo News — Russia sends 600-year-old prince's bones to troops on Ukraine front: But why?
   9. www.seibertron.com — Transmissions Credits for Va'al - Transformers
   10. edition.cnn.com — Trump declines to say if Ukraine can manufacture Patriot missiles to fend off Russian attacks | CNN Polit....
   11. beforeitsnews.com — Byington Bombshell Report: US Fiat Dollar to Collapse - Trump's Global Military Alliance Rescuing Million....
   12. www.zyzzyva.org — Index of Published Works – ZYZZYVA
   confidence 85%