Russian Patriarch Kirill publishes book defending war

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow released a new volume titled *War: Beyond Visible Causes and Consequences*, in which he frames armed conflict as a metaphysical struggle and portrays it as a redemptive duty for the Russian people. The book, issued by the Moscow Patriarchate’s publishing house, revisits themes of sacrifice, heroism, patriotism and victory, arguing that Russia must fulfill a historical responsibility to remain a "victorious" nation.

Kirill’s publication follows his removal from the European Union sanctions list after Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev advocated on his behalf. In the text, Kirill reiterates his long‑standing justification of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, describing it as a continuation of the unfinished fight against Nazism. The work has drawn criticism from EU partners of Bulgaria while receiving praise from Russian and Bulgarian nationalist circles.