The Church of Sweden has issued an unprecedented warning to congregations across Europe after uncovering that a group of nuns, allegedly linked to Russian military intelligence, had been fundraising within its churches to support Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.
The Unlikely Agents: 'Z-Nuns' and Pro-War Fundraising
An investigation by The Telegraph revealed that a notorious Belarusian convent, nicknamed 'Z-Nuns', had been operating within Swedish parishes. The sisters from the St Elisabeth Convent were found to be selling small trinkets to churchgoers, with the proceeds allegedly directed towards supporting Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Michael Öjermo, the rector of Täby, admitted he was unaware of the convent's background when he invited them. Twenty churches across the Nordic nation were found to have hosted the sisters, who were involved in pro-war initiatives. The Church of Sweden, known for its openness, was compelled to send a sobering alert to other Catholic churches about the potential threat of these 'spy nuns'.
Links to Russian Intelligence and Military Morale
In an official statement, the Church explained that the St Elisabeth sisters use their income to promote Russian nationalism, back the war against Ukraine, and maintain close ties with the GRU – Russia's military intelligence agency. The warning was clear: "The Church of Sweden advises against supporting their activities in any way."
Photographic evidence had previously shown the same nuns in occupied parts of Ukraine, wearing military fatigues and working alongside Russian soldiers with the stated aim of boosting troop morale. This direct involvement highlighted the convent's role beyond mere fundraising.
A 'Rude Awakening' for Swedish Society
Rector Öjermo reflected on the incident, drawing parallels to Cold War-era espionage, but conceded a critical misjudgment. "What I understood this time, that I didn't understand before, is that they can be used as propaganda," he stated. "I didn't make that conclusion before, and I see that can be a problem."
Kristina Smith, head of the Church's crisis planning unit, connected the incident to a broader national shift in perception following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. "It's a new thing for Sweden as a society... the full-scale invasion of 2022 was a rude awakening for a lot of Swedes," she said. Smith noted Sweden's long-held self-image as a peaceful nation was challenged, revealing a new reality of geopolitical vulnerability.
The Church has also raised alarms about the Russian Orthodox Church seeking to rent facilities near sensitive military installations, prompting further warnings and a reassessment of security protocols within religious communities.
