Congress pushes investigation into whether Russian intel using Orthodox churches in U.S.

This is stated in a letter initiated by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, Ukrinform reports, citing The Hill.

“It has come to my attention that ROCOR [Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia] is actively seeking to expand its political influence in the United States, including through an event reportedly scheduled for November 18, 2025, aimed at lobbying Members of Congress and their staff,” the lawmakers said in their joint letter to the U.S. Attorney General.

The Republicans emphasize that as part of this planned pro-Russian event, lobbyists and clergy affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church are conducting a campaign on Capitol Hill this week and meeting with the Trump administration.

Such developments raise “legitimate concerns,” the House members noted, that ROCOR or other Russian Orthodox jurisdictions “could serve as vehicles for intelligence collection or foreign influence operations directed at U.S. policymakers.”

As reported, Ukrainian officials, analysts, and pro-Ukraine members of Congress stress that Putin uses the Russian Orthodox Church as a key tool in his war effort against Ukraine.