Russian Orthodox Church Criticizes Kremlin Aide Natalia Poklonskaya for 'Devilish' Social Media Posts

russia, ukraine - Recent social media posts by loyal Kremlin servant Natalia Poklonskaya have angered a key ally of Vladimir Putin, the Russian Orthodox Church.

Life changed drastically for Poklonskaya when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. She chose to work for the Russian government instead of staying in Ukraine. Despite her close ties to Putin, recent posts on social media have caused controversy.

Poklonskaya's political career took off after working as a prosecutor on the annexed peninsula. From 2016 to 2021, she served in the State Duma of Russia before briefly becoming the Russian ambassador to Cape Verde. In February 2022, she became deputy head of the Russian agency Rossotrudnichestvo.

However, her stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in April 2022 led to her dismissal. Poklonskaya was quickly appointed as an advisor to Russia's Prosecutor General. Recent controversial posts, including photos commemorating the Celtic new year festival Samhain, have drawn criticism from the Russian Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Kirill, the church's leader, condemned Poklonskaya for what he perceived as an attempt to revive paganism. Putin, known for his close ties to the church, faces a dilemma. While the church supports him politically and economically, Poklonskaya's actions have put him in a difficult position.

Kirill has not called for Poklonskaya's dismissal, but his disapproval of her social media activities is evident. Putin, who previously supported Poklonskaya, may face challenges defending her in the future.