In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian authorities have targeted not only Ukrainian priests and religious leaders in occupied territories but have also intensified their persecution of Orthodox clergy within Russia itself. Reports indicate that more than 100 cases of persecution against clergymen have been recorded since the war's inception, with a significant majority being Orthodox priests. This troubling trend signifies a broader crackdown on dissent within the Russian religious community, extending to various denominations including Baptists and Catholics.

Since the beginning of the war, at least 19 clergy members have been sentenced to imprisonment due to their anti-war stances, and many others have faced spiritual punishment within their respective churches. Approximately 40 Orthodox clergy have been subjected to ecclesiastical trials, with a number of them either expelled from the clergy or suspended, highlighting the internal conflicts and pressures faced by religious leaders amid a hostile political atmosphere. As dissent grows, the repercussions for those who openly criticize the war have become increasingly severe.

As a response to this oppression, roughly 30 priests have fled Russia seeking refuge in the Patriarchate of Constantinople, where they can continue their ministry without the threat of persecution. These priests are now serving the Russian communities throughout Europe, providing spiritual support for those who share their views on the conflict. This situation sheds light on the significant divide within the Russian religious community regarding the war and emphasizes the broader implications of religious freedom and dissent in authoritarian regimes.