Religion as a Field of Civilizational Conflict: Ukrainian National Self-Identification and the Ideology of the ‘Russian World’ in the Context of War

Abstract

This article analyses religion as a field of civilisational conflict in the context of the confrontation between Ukrainian national self-identification and the ideology of the ‘russian world’ against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The study focuses on the interplay of religious narratives, geopolitical strategies and nation-building processes that shape the contemporary transformation of Ukraine’s religious landscape. It is pointed out that religion acts not only as a spiritual phenomenon, but also as an important factor in symbolic mobilisation, the legitimisation of political claims, and the formation of collective identity.

This article analyses the concept of the ‘russian world’ as an ethno-ideological model of religious nationalism, combining imperial, messianic and civilisational narratives aimed at undermining Ukrainian statehood and cultural and spiritual agency. At the same time, it examines the role of Ukrainian churches in the processes of social consolidation, strengthening humanitarian security and the formation of a modern civic nation. Particular attention is paid to the establishment of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, its rivalry with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, and the transformations of religious identity in the context of war.

It is emphasised that the religious sphere has become an important arena for rethinking historical narratives, social solidarity and moral responsibility. The events of the war have acted as a catalyst for institutional and ideological changes of a long-term nature. The conclusions note that religion is increasingly being integrated into security and humanitarian discourse, playing a key role in strengthening national identity and the resilience of Ukrainian society.