The Russian Orthodox Church has delivered a relic of Dmitry Donskoy, a 14th-century Russian prince, to troops fighting in eastern Ukraine, stating that it will "spiritually strengthen" them and aid in securing victory. The relic, a fragment of Donskoy’s right hand, was transported to the frontline in Russian-occupied areas as part of a broader effort to intertwine religious symbolism with the ongoing conflict.

Dmitry Donskoy is historically celebrated in Russia for defeating the Mongolian Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. The church described the relic’s presence as an invisible means of support for Russian forces, asserting that the saintly commander would stand alongside soldiers in the current conflict.

The reliquary was initially taken to the Saur-Mogila war memorial in the Donetsk region, where senior Orthodox clergy and representatives of the Russian military conducted a prayer service. Vladimir, the Russian-installed metropolitan of Donetsk and Mariupol, said the relic would help both soldiers and civilians "mobilise their strength" against the enemy.

This development reflects the Russian Orthodox Church’s deepening alignment with the Kremlin’s military campaign in Ukraine. Since the February 2022 invasion, church leaders have frequently framed the conflict in religious terms, with clergy embedded in military units and services across Russia including prayers for victory.

The relic of Dmitry Donskoy was only uncovered last month during restoration at the Cathedral of the Archangel within the Kremlin. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the ceremony marking the unearthing. The decision to exhume the prince’s remains has sparked criticism, with some observers questioning the breaking of long-standing religious protocols. Although the location of Donskoy’s burial was known, no previous efforts had been made to open the tomb since his canonisation in 1988.

Alexander Zanemontes, an Orthodox priest and historian outside Russia, suggested the timing of the relic’s unveiling was influenced by wartime patriotism. He noted that after several years of conflict, the church sought ways to demonstrate support for what Russian authorities term a "special military operation." The image of Donskoy as a defender of the homeland aligns with the Kremlin’s narrative that Russia is acting in self-defense rather than pursuing an aggressive war.

Earlier this year, relics of Alexander Nevsky, another revered medieval Russian prince, were reportedly also sent to the frontlines. The Russian Orthodox Church’s actions continue to underscore its growing role in Russia’s political and military strategy.