Government Intervention Sought to Scale Down Putin’s Church at Airport Amid Political Pressure

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Västerås Considers Forced Acquisition of Russian Orthodox church Amid Security Fears

February 29, 2024

Västerås, Sweden – Local politicians in the City of Västerås are pushing for the compulsory purchase of land currently occupied by the Russian Orthodox Church, citing escalating security concerns and potential ties to Russian intelligence operations. The move, described as politically sensitive, has been forwarded to the Swedish government for a final decision.

Growing Concerns Over Church’s Location and Allegiances

The Russian Orthodox Church in question is strategically situated just over 500 meters from Västerås Airport, a facility with increasing military significance, including serving as a hub for NATO transport. This proximity,coupled with intelligence reports linking key individuals within the church to Russian intelligence,has raised alarms among local and national security officials.

the Russian Orthodox Church in Västerås, closely monitored due to its location and security considerations.

Photo: Anna-Karin Nilsson

Political Pressure and Mysterious Communications

According to Municipal Council member Staffan Jansson, the decision to request government intervention followed concerning communications received by several politicians involved in the process. These contacts, described as “uneasy,” were suspected of originating from Russia and possibly intended to exert pressure on decision-makers. The municipality has refrained from direct communication with the church leadership, stating the congregation is unresponsive to their concerns.

Security Police Assessment

the Swedish Security Service, or Säpo, has reportedly provided a stark assessment of the situation, indicating the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate in Sweden is utilized as a platform for intelligence gathering and influence operations. This assessment contributed to the denial of grants from the Swedish Agency for Support to Religious Communities (SST) several years ago. Säpo’s concerns center on the activities of key personnel and their connections to Russian intelligence officers operating in Stockholm.

Financial Links and Kremlin Ties

Investigations have revealed potential financial ties between the church and the Russian state. Reports indicate that Rosatom, a Russian state-owned nuclear energy corporation, contributed to the funding of the church’s construction.This financial connection, along with the close relationship between Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and president Vladimir Putin, further fuels concerns about the church’s potential role in advancing Russian interests.

Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill share a close relationship, raising questions about the church’s alignment with Kremlin interests.

Photo: Mikhail Metzel / EPA TT News Agency

According to the Swedish Defence Research agency (FOI), Kirill has publicly praised Putin’s leadership, describing it as “a miracle of God.” Furthermore, reports suggest Kirill had previously worked for the KGB in the 1970s.

The church complex is heavily secured, featuring high fences, surveillance cameras, and limited access. The total cost of the building is estimated to be approximately SEK 35 million.

Key concern	Details
Location	Proximity to Västerås Airport, increasing military activity.
Säpo Assessment	Church used for intelligence gathering and influence operations.
Financial Links	Funding from Russian state-owned companies (Rosatom).
Leadership Ties	Close relationship between Patriarch Kirill and Vladimir Putin.

Understanding the Russian Orthodox Church’s Role

The Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is the largest autocephalous Orthodox Church in the world, with over 150 million adherents. Its history dates back to 988 AD, and it plays a meaningful role in Russian identity and culture. However, its close ties to the Russian state have raised concerns about its political influence and potential involvement in geopolitical maneuvering.

Did You Know? The Moscow Patriarchate’s influence extends beyond religious matters,often aligning with the Kremlin’s foreign policy objectives.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about the interplay between religious institutions and national security interests is crucial in understanding contemporary geopolitical dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main reason for considering the forced acquisition of the church property?

The primary reason is security concerns related to the church’s proximity to Västerås Airport and potential links to Russian intelligence activities.

what is Säpo’s role in this situation?

Säpo, the Swedish Security Service, has assessed that the church is being used as a platform for Russian intelligence gathering and influence operations.

Are there any financial concerns regarding the church?

Yes, reports suggest the Russian state-owned company Rosatom contributed to the financing of the church’s construction.

What is the connection between Patriarch kirill and Vladimir Putin?

Patriarch Kirill and Vladimir Putin have a close relationship, and Kirill has publicly praised Putin’s leadership.

what happens next in this situation?

The request for compulsory acquisition has been submitted to the Swedish government, which will decide on the matter.

Do you think the Swedish government will approve the forced acquisition of the church property? What are the potential implications of this decision for Swedish-Russian relations?