Investigators in Bulgaria uncovered a Russian religious propaganda network linked to the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ), originally founded in Ukraine in 2015 to spread pro-Russian propaganda amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The network has expanded into Bulgaria and other European countries with Orthodox populations. The Bulgarian branch operates anonymously, producing substantial Bulgarian-language content supporting Moscow’s narratives. It advocates Russia’s position on Ukraine, promotes traditional values, and interferes in local debates such as introducing religion as a mandatory school subject. The network's parent company, TOJ LTD, is registered offshore in Cyprus at an address also linked to US-sanctioned arms trafficking. Leadership includes Anna Piddubna and Fr. Oleksii Zoshchuk, both accused of spreading Kremlin propaganda. The network exploits religion as a propaganda tool and openly supports the pro-Russian Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), collaborating closely with Russian state and FSB interests. The UOJ was banned in Ukraine and relocated operations abroad, preparing to expand further in Poland and other countries. In May 2025, a pro-Russian march in Sofia supported mandatory religious education, displaying Russian Orthodox military flags held by children. The Bulgarian investigation raises concerns about opaque funding and Russian influence operations via religious platforms.

Investigators in Bulgaria uncovered a Russian religious propaganda network linked to the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ), originally founded in Ukraine in 2015 to spread pro-Russian propaganda amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The network has expanded into Bulgaria and other European countries with Orthodox populations. The Bulgarian branch operates anonymously, producing substantial Bulgarian-language content supporting Moscow’s narratives. It advocates Russia’s position on Ukraine, promotes traditional values, and interferes in local debates such as introducing religion as a mandatory school subject. The network's parent company, TOJ LTD, is registered offshore in Cyprus at an address also linked to US-sanctioned arms trafficking. Leadership includes Anna Piddubna and Fr. Oleksii Zoshchuk, both accused of spreading Kremlin propaganda. The network exploits religion as a propaganda tool and openly supports the pro-Russian Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), collaborating closely with Russian state and FSB interests. The UOJ was banned in Ukraine and relocated operations abroad, preparing to expand further in Poland and other countries. In May 2025, a pro-Russian march in Sofia supported mandatory religious education, displaying Russian Orthodox military flags held by children. The Bulgarian investigation raises concerns about opaque funding and Russian influence operations via religious platforms.