Sweden: Hybrid warfare in a Russian Orthodox church

author cws October 15, 2025

80 Less than a minute

Sweden: Hybrid warfare in a Russian Orthodox church — DW

Teri Schultz

October 10, 2025

Sweden’s intelligence authorities suspect a Russian Orthodox church of being involved in hybrid warfare activities. Local politicians in the city of Vasteras raised the alarm — but religious freedom is precious in Sweden.

Swedish officials are raising the alarm over a Russian Orthodox church in Vasteras, located near a strategic airport. Security experts and city leaders suspect the parish may be used for Kremlin-linked intelligence activities. Though Sweden values religious freedom, state funding was cut in 2023. The city now seeks to relocate the church amid growing concerns following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.