The Russian Orthodox Church has sent a fragment of the sword hand of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy, a medieval Russian military leader and saint, to soldiers on the front lines in occupied Donetsk. The gesture is intended to provide spiritual strength and boost morale among troops as the conflict in Ukraine enters its fifth year.
Donskoy, revered for his victory over the Mongol Golden Horde at the 1380 Battle of Kulikovo, was declared a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988. The church stated that a piece of his right hand, "with which he wielded his sword on Kulikovo Field," has been sent to the front to "strengthen the soldiers' spirits."
The fragment was placed in an ornate casket and is being displayed among Russia's combat units. The move comes amid reports of significant Russian casualties, with Ukraine claiming over 42,000 Russian soldiers were lost in July alone. Critics have condemned Russia's battlefield tactics, often described as a "meat grinder" approach.
This initiative follows previous efforts by the church to support the war, including sending priests to the front lines, instituting mandatory prayers for victory, and flying icons over cities. According to Alexander Zanemonets, an Orthodox priest and historian, the church leadership is seeking new ways to demonstrate its support for what Russia terms its "special military operation," compelling institutions to participate in the war effort.
Donskoy's remains were uncovered during restoration work at Moscow's Cathedral of the Archangel within the Kremlin earlier in the year.
