Putin wants to be seen as a religious crusader. But his holy war is stalling

The discovery of the tomb of Dmitry Donskoi, a revered 14th-century Russian prince, has been interpreted as a symbolic gesture by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who seeks to frame his ongoing military campaign in Ukraine as part of a broader religious mission. The tomb was uncovered during restoration work in the crypt of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael within the Kremlin, and its revelation has been swiftly linked to divine favor by government officials and pro-Kremlin media. This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of how Putin is attempting to align his leadership and war effort with religious symbolism to bolster domestic and international narratives. The tomb of Dmitry Donskoi, known for leading a pivotal battle against the Mongol-Tatar Golden Horde in 1380, was found alongside two other sarcophagi. According to reports, one of these contained Donskoi's remains. The timing of this discovery, just weeks before Putin's visit to the site, has drawn attention from analysts and observers who see it as a calculated move to reinforce the idea of divine backing for Russia's current military actions. Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky described the find as a sign of "divine approval," while Konstantin Malofeev, a prominent nationalist figure, suggested that Donskoi had returned to lead the Russian army in its present struggle. Putin, a devout Orthodox Christian, has long sought to intertwine his political agenda with religious rhetoric. His annexation of Crimea in 2014 was justified as a defense of a region of "civilisational and sacral significance." More recently, the Russian Orthodox Church has actively supported the war effort, blessing military equipment and encouraging participation in the armed forces. Patriarch Kirill, the head of the church, has referred to the invasion of Ukraine as a "holy war" aimed at protecting the world from Western influence, framing it as a spiritual battle against "globalism and the victory of the West." The church has also played a key role in mobilizing the concept of the "Russian World," a narrative promoting cultural and religious unity among Russians living abroad and in neighboring countries. In exchange for this support, Putin has granted the church greater influence in Russian society, including control over educational curricula and economic ventures. The church has amassed substantial property holdings and operates several tax-exempt businesses, further embedding itself in the nation's infrastructure. Despite these efforts, signs of public weariness with the war have grown, particularly as the conflict enters its third year. Reports indicate that some citizens are beginning to question the sustainability of the military campaign and its impact on daily life. The discovery of Donskoi's tomb and the subsequent emphasis on religious symbolism appear to be attempts to counterbalance this sentiment by reinforcing a sense of historical destiny and divine mandate. The use of religious imagery and historical figures such as Donskoi and Alexander Nevsky, whose relics were previously deployed to the front lines, suggests a strategic approach by the Kremlin to maintain morale among troops and civilians alike. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain, especially as the war continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides. The challenge for Putin lies in ensuring that the alignment of his policies with religious doctrine resonates with the populace, rather than exacerbating existing divisions or doubts about the war's purpose.