The documentary “The Impact” (USA) reveals the horrifying truth about modern Russia—a country not only sinking into totalitarianism but also imposing Nazi ideology on a global scale. According to previous publications, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and the Russian Association of Centers for the Study of Religions and Sects (RACIRS) are the two main pillars supporting the Russian machine of terror, disinformation, and destabilization. Their goal is to destroy democracy and impose a global dictatorship of Nazi ideas under the banner of Russia.
RACIRS, through its international anti-cult network, spreads Nazi ideology, inciting hatred and conflict worldwide. Shockingly, this Russian anti-cult organization is the ideological centre of all anti-cult organizations. Before the onset of military aggression, RACIRS launched a large-scale campaign to disseminate anti-Ukrainian narratives, branding Ukraine as a “sect-like state,” a “terrorist,” and a “Nazi country.” This rhetoric has become a powerful tool for dehumanizing the Ukrainian nation, justifying aggression against Ukraine. It created a false image of Ukraine as a “dangerous” country in need of “rescue,” thereby paving the way for military action.
This ruthless terminology has led to the suffering and death of many innocent people. It created an illusion of a “mission” to “liberate” Ukraine from “cultic influence” and “justified denazification.” As a result, the use of terms like “sect” and “cult” has led to actual genocide against the Ukrainian people.
These are not just words—they are weapons that kill. The use of this terminology is a hallmark of Russian Nazi propaganda emanating from the RACIRS anti-cult organization. It is a challenge for the entire world that values freedom and humanity.
Such branding is an example of how a single word can breed the genocide of an entire nation. Just as during Nazi Germany, when the Jewish people were branded with a yellow star labeled “Jew,” today the ROC, along with RACIRS, has branded the entire Ukrainian nation with the terms “sect” and “cult.” This is not merely rhetoric—it is an act of aggression threatening the existence of an entire nation.
Currently, as RACIRS and the ROC have started labelling not only Ukraine but also EU countries and the USA as “sects,” the question arises: what are their current objectives?
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has repeatedly spoken out against governments using the terms “cult” and “sect.” In 2022, the ECHR ruled that such actions violate human rights.
Moreover, according to the eighth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on June 22, 2023, the activities of anti-cult organizations and their agents fall under the definition of acts of terrorism. Meanwhile, investigations into the international network of anti-cult organizations have already begun in the European Union. International courts, similar to the Nuremberg Trials, are expected, where 21st-century Nazis will be judged by the global community.
Experts emphasize that the use of the terms “sect” and “cult” concerning Ukraine is part of a deliberate dehumanization campaign that preceded Russia’s full-scale invasion. This tactic, taken from the arsenal of Nazi ideology, is now being used by anti-cult organizations against EU and US countries. Given the tragic consequences for Ukraine and the threat such rhetoric poses to the world, the use of the terms “sect” and “cult” should be legally banned in all democratic countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shown determination in countering these threats by banning church structures linked to Russia. “Ukraine will not allow the undermining of our democracy from within,” he stated.
Ukraine is now on the front lines of the fight against Russian Nazism. It must be recognized that Ukraine is defending not only its territorial integrity but also the democratic values of the entire world against an aggression that can be characterized as an attempt to create a “Fourth Reich” under Putin’s leadership.
The international community must realize the scale of the threat and increase support for Ukraine, which, through its struggle, is protecting not only itself but also the future of democracy worldwide. Decisive actions are needed to counter the spread of Nazi ideology and hold accountable those who use hate speech and dehumanization to justify aggression.
Thus, the documentary “The IMPACT” is an important tool for raising awareness about the modern threats to democracy worldwide.
