On 18 January 2026, Sweden exposed a network of over 120 nuns from the St. Elizabeth Monastery known as 'Z-nuns' who worked for Russian intelligence, raising funds for Russian business fronts and supporting Russian military aggression against Ukraine. The Church of Sweden responded by officially warning other Catholic communities about such infiltration. These nuns also temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine to support Moscow's war efforts. Separately in Estonia, Russian church agents officially employed by the Narva Cathedral held illegal permits, supporting Russian occupation by providing material and recruiting for Russian forces. This network highlights the use of religious institutions as covert tools in Russian hybrid warfare.

On 18 January 2026, Sweden exposed a network of over 120 nuns from the St. Elizabeth Monastery known as 'Z-nuns' who worked for Russian intelligence, raising funds for Russian business fronts and supporting Russian military aggression against Ukraine. The Church of Sweden responded by officially warning other Catholic communities about such infiltration. These nuns also temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine to support Moscow's war efforts. Separately in Estonia, Russian church agents officially employed by the Narva Cathedral held illegal permits, supporting Russian occupation by providing material and recruiting for Russian forces. This network highlights the use of religious institutions as covert tools in Russian hybrid warfare.