x.com/gsideflow/status/19690…
Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill: mentality and psychology of the Russian Byzantian “Symphonia” are in their common homophobic roots. – Google Search google.com/search?q=Vladimir…
The phrase “mentality and psychology of the Russian Byzantian ‘Symphonia’ are in their common homophobic roots” refers to the alignment between Vladimir Putin’s government and the Russian Orthodox Church under Patriarch Kirill, suggesting their shared opposition to LGBTQ+ rights is a key element of their relationship. This alliance draws on historical concepts of Byzantine governance and promotes “traditional values” to bolster nationalist narratives. [1, 2, 3]
Byzantine symphonia and Russian ideologyThe concept of “symphonia”: This Byzantine model defines a harmonious interdependence between state power (the emperor) and divine authority (the patriarch), with neither being fully subordinate to the other. In this arrangement, the state handles secular matters and the church manages divine ones. Critics argue that in modern Russia, the church has sacrificed its moral independence by aligning too closely with Kremlin power.
A tool for power: For Russia’s rulers, the historical concept of Byzantine “caesaropapism”—where the emperor was also head of the church—justified absolute authority. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Moscow’s rulers claimed the mantle of the “Third Rome” and the heir to the Roman Empire, adopting the title “Tsar” (from Caesar) to cement their power. Today, this tradition helps legitimize Putin’s ambition to restore Russian dominance. [4, 5, 6]Putin and Kirill’s alliance
Mutual support: Patriarch Kirill has been a vocal and long-time supporter of President Putin, even calling Putin’s rise to power a “miracle of God”. In return, Putin has provided the Russian Orthodox Church with significant state support, increased media visibility, and the return of state assets.
Weaponizing religion: As political allies, Putin and Kirill present their combined vision of a culturally rooted Russia standing against a “decadent” and “sinful” West. During the war in Ukraine, Kirill has framed the conflict as a “metaphysical struggle” against “evil forces,” providing a spiritual justification for the invasion. [1, 7, 8, 9]The common thread of homophobia
State-sanctioned homophobia: Both Putin and Kirill have publicly condemned homosexuality, with their views aligning with a broader political and religious campaign to promote “traditional values”. Key actions include:
“Gay Propaganda” laws: Russia first passed a law in 2013 banning the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” to minors, later expanded in 2022 to apply to all citizens.
Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage: In 2020, Russia amended its constitution to define marriage exclusively as a heterosexual union.
“Extremist” designation: In 2023, the Supreme Court labeled the “international LGBT public movement” as an “extremist organization,” effectively criminalizing LGBTQ+ activism and simple expressions of solidarity, like displaying a rainbow flag.Psychological and political role: The focus on homophobia serves several purposes for the Putin-Kirill alliance:
It defines a “moral enemy” in the West, which is portrayed as threatening Russia’s cultural and spiritual identity.
It creates a common rallying point, uniting nationalist and religious conservatives around a shared “traditional values” narrative.
It reinforces a rigid, top-down hierarchy consistent with the autocratic political traditions inherited from the Byzantine model. [1, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] reutersinstitute.politics.ox…
[2] sciencedirect.com/org/scienc…
[3] time.com/6236822/russia-gay-…
[4] dailyhistory.org/How_did_the…
[5] coreknowledge.org/wp-content…
[6] forbes.com/2009/02/20/putin-…
[7] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patria…
[8] facebook.com/groups/14385240…
[9] washingtonmonthly.com/2022/0…
[10] nbcnews.com/id/wbna32564110
[11] theconversation.com/30-years…
[12] theconversation.com/putins-r…
[13] bostonreview.net/articles/pu…
[14] dw.com/en/homophobia-in-russ…
[15] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_…
[16] theconversation.com/30-years… x.com/gsideflow/status/1969072773751296062— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 20, 2025
Category: Articles, Blog, and Tweets
Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign
The role and significance of the Mongol-Tatar rule for Russian culture – Google Search
The Mongol-Tatar rule significantly shaped Russian culture by centralizing political power in Moscow, contributing to the development of a centralized state with an autocratic system, and influencing the Russian language with Turkic loanwords for currency and military terms. It fostered a unique Eurasian cultural identity distinct from Western Europe, with some historians viewing the “Tatar Yoke” as a catalyst for Russia’s distinct spiritual and political path, while others see it as a period of isolation and economic depression that hindered cultural development. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Linguistic and Cultural ImpactLanguage: Russian adopted many Turkic words, especially for financial and military terms, which remain in the language today. [2]
Cultural Identity: The shared experience of the Mongol rule helped forge a distinct Russian identity, often discussed within the context of Eurasianism, which posits a unique blend of Slavic, Byzantine, and Mongol cultural influences. [2, 5, 7]
Art and Architecture: The period saw a flourishing of Orthodox art and architecture, supported by the protective stance of the Mongols toward the church, which then became a central element of Russian cultural life. [8]Political and Social Impact
Centralization of Power: The rule led to the centralization of authority, most notably with the rise of Moscow as the seat of power, and the development of the Muscovite state. [1, 8]
Autocratic Rule: Administrative and military systems influenced by the Mongols contributed to the autocratic tendencies of the Russian state, an enduring feature of Russian political history. [5, 9]
Loss of Local Governance: The Mongol occupation led to the decline of the traditional veche (assembly) system, a move away from communal governance towards greater centralization. [10]Historical Interpretation and Debate
Westernizers vs. Eurasianists:Westernizing view: Historians who emphasize Russia’s connection to Europe often view the Mongol period negatively, seeing it as a period of isolation that caused economic hardship and hindered Russia’s participation in the European Renaissance. [5, 6]
Eurasianist view: This perspective, championed by figures like Nikolai Trubetzkoy, argues that the Mongol rule was a formative experience that helped shape Russia’s unique civilization and political structure, rooted in Eastern rather than Western traditions. [5, 6, 7]Long-Term Effects: While the Mongol rule did foster cultural and political elements that persist in Russia, its long-term consequences remain a subject of debate, with interpretations varying on its overall impact on Russia’s development and its relationship with Europe. [5, 11, 12]
AI responses may include mistakes.[1] brainly.com/question/1331624…
[2] russiasperiphery.pages.wm.ed…
[3] fiveable.me/key-terms/early-…
[4] ijors.net/issue5_2_2016/arti…
[5] ijors.net/issue5_2_2016/pdf/…
[6] scholarworks.iu.edu/journals…
[7] repository.lib.ncsu.edu/bits…
[8] study.com/academy/lesson/how…
[9] journals.uvic.ca/index.php/g…
[10] geohistory.today/mongol-empi…
[11] britannica.com/place/Russia/…
[12] expresstorussia.com/experien…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 20, 2025
The role and significance of the Mongol-Tatar rule for Russian history, customs, mentality, and statehood – Google Search google.com/search?q=The+role…
The Mongol-Tatar rule, which lasted over 200 years (c. 1240–1480), had a profound and complex impact on the development of Russian history, statehood, customs, and mentality. While marked by violence and heavy tribute, the period also fundamentally reshaped Russia’s political landscape, laid the groundwork for centralized autocracy, and fostered a distinct identity that both looked to the West and incorporated elements of its Eurasian overlords. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Impact on Russian history and statehoodCentralized authority and the rise of Moscow: Before the Mongol invasion, Kievan Rus’ was a collection of fragmented, warring city-states with a tradition of regional self-government known as the veche. To effectively collect tribute, the Golden Horde, the Mongol successor state that ruled the Rus’ lands, encouraged the centralization of power. Moscow’s princes shrewdly collaborated with the Mongols, acting as chief tax collectors. This role allowed Moscow to grow in wealth, power, and prestige, ultimately positioning it to become the nucleus of the future Russian state. The Mongols’ destruction of Kiev also cemented Moscow’s rise.
Foundation for autocracy: The Mongol system of rule, with its emphasis on absolute power and strict hierarchy, served as a model for the Muscovite state. The idea of the tsar as a divinely sanctioned ruler who was the heir to the Mongol khan’s imperial authority became an established part of Muscovite political culture. The Mongol-imposed census and tax system was adopted and refined by Russian rulers, creating a powerful administrative state apparatus.
Isolation and delayed development: Historians, particularly in the Soviet era, argued that the Mongol yoke isolated Russia from the European Renaissance and Enlightenment. Cut off from the West, Russian culture and scientific thought were said to have stagnated while Western Europe flourished. This viewpoint suggests that the Mongol-Tatar period forced Russia down a separate, more “Asiatic” developmental path. [1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]Impact on customs and mentality
A fortified national identity: The shared experience of being subjugated under the “Tatar yoke” instilled a sense of shared suffering and a collective struggle for survival. This common burden helped to forge a unified national identity that contrasted with the fragmented loyalties of the pre-Mongol era.
Cultural borrowing: The prolonged interaction with the Mongols and other Turkic peoples resulted in significant cultural exchange. The Russian language incorporated numerous Turkic loanwords, particularly those related to finance, trade, and the military. Changes in dress, such as the adoption of the golden kaftan and elaborate accessories, also occurred. The Mongol-established yam postal system was adopted by the Russian state, improving communication and trade.
The Orthodox Church’s rise: The Mongol khans, who were religiously tolerant, granted the Russian Orthodox Church special tax-exempt status and protected its lands. This allowed the church to consolidate its wealth and influence, making it a crucial source of cultural continuity and a unifying force for the Russian people during this period. The church’s new-found independence from the princes and relocation of its center to Moscow also contributed to Moscow’s political rise.
Formation of a service-based society: The Mongol system of extracting heavy tribute pushed many peasants to seek protection from the Russian ruling class, eventually leading to their enserfment. This created a society where the peasantry was increasingly tied to the land and subservient to the nobility, a structure that would persist for centuries. [7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Historical debate
Historians have debated the overall legacy of the Mongol-Tatar rule.Negative view (“yoke” theory): This traditional interpretation emphasizes the destructive and oppressive aspects of Mongol rule. The invasion led to widespread destruction and depopulation, halted urban development, and isolated Russia from the rest of Europe. This perspective sees the Mongol legacy as a period of national catastrophe.
Eurasianist view: Developed by Russian émigrés, this school of thought views the Mongol experience as a formative, even progressive, event. Eurasianists argue that the Mongol unification of Eurasia provided a strong foundation for the future Russian Empire, with Moscow becoming a successor to Genghis Khan’s empire (translatio imperii). They credit the Mongols with helping to create a powerful, centralized state and a unique geopolitical identity. [6, 10, 16, 17, 18]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] geohistory.today/mongol-empi…
[2] doi.org/10.21313/hawaii/9780…
[3] brainly.com/question/1392099…
[4] britannica.com/place/Russia/…
[5] geohistory.today/mongol-empi…
[6] ijors.net/issue5_2_2016/pdf/…
[7] study.com/academy/lesson/how…
[8] brainly.com/question/1331624…
[9] study.com/academy/lesson/how…
[10] quillette.com/2021/06/11/how…
[11] russiasperiphery.pages.wm.ed…
[12] quora.com/How-did-Mongol-rul…
[13] academia.edu/32890252/THE_LE…
[14] quora.com/How-did-Mongol-rul…
[15] quora.com/How-did-the-Mongol…
[16] brill.com/view/journals/eurs…
[17] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongol…
[18] facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 20, 2025
(3) Kash Patel Just Ended His Career – YouTube youtube.com/watch?v=-4GZOhgg…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 20, 2025
BREAKING:
Qatar says it will take revenge from Israel very soon, Israel must remember it.
— World_Affairs11 (@World_Affairs11) Sep 19, 2025
BREAKING:
Saudi Arabia says if any country attack Saudi Arabia, it will use Pakistan’s nuclear weapon. pic.twitter.com/cQa42h0Cdv
— World Affairs (@World_Affairs11) September 19, 2025
#Putin will escalate. #Trump will ignore it.
Putin owns Trump. pic.twitter.com/eK9xz3erF5— JustFunStuff (@JustFunStuff53) September 19, 2025
x.com/aleksbrz11/status/1969…
FBI CIA Counterintelligence
#FBI #CIA #Counterintelligence
#Putin #US
#terrorism #sabotage
#SpecialIntelligenceOperations
Hybrid War #HybridWar
Do Putin’s threats include the US, and the acts of terrorism and sabotage as the Special Intelligence Operations?
google.com/search?q=Do+Putin…
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threats and allegations increasingly include the United States and frame acts of sabotage and terrorism as “special intelligence operations” orchestrated by Western powers. This is part of a broader strategy of hybrid warfare, designed to sow fear and discord while providing plausible deniability. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Threats and allegations against the U.S. and WestSabotage: In early 2025, U.S. officials informed the Kremlin of a Russian intelligence plot to plant incendiary devices on cargo planes bound for North America. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and CIA Director Bill Burns explicitly warned Putin that America would hold Russia responsible for such sabotage, threatening to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Terrorism: Russian officials, including Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, have blamed the U.S. for orchestrating “terrorist attacks” against Russia. Following drone attacks on the Kremlin in May 2023, Putin himself blamed Western “special services”. This has been a recurring theme, with Moscow frequently denying its own involvement in sabotage while accusing Western nations of terrorism.
Election interference: U.S. intelligence agencies consistently report that Russia interferes in U.S. elections to damage opposing candidates, boost preferred ones, and stoke division. In 2024, the Department of Justice indicted individuals for being part of a covert Russian influence operation. The U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned Russian entities for creating and spreading disinformation, including through the use of generative AI.
Critical infrastructure attacks: A March 2025 report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) details an escalating campaign of Russian-led sabotage against European and U.S. targets in Europe. These attacks include explosives, electronic attacks, and cutting undersea fiber-optic cables. In December 2024, German prosecutors announced charges against Russian nationals for allegedly surveilling a U.S. military base.
Military confrontation rhetoric: Putin and other Russian officials have used aggressive rhetoric and updated military doctrines to threaten the West.Nuclear threats: In November 2024, Russia lowered its threshold for using nuclear weapons, expanding scenarios to include a response to an attack by a non-nuclear state if it is supported by a nuclear power.
Missile deployments: In July 2024, Putin threatened to restart production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons and station them within striking distance of the West if the U.S. deployed long-range missiles to Germany. [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14]Accusations as “special intelligence operations”
Russian state media, including official statements from its Foreign Ministry, often re-frame acts of sabotage and terrorism within the context of a wider conflict with the West.Mischaracterizing Ukrainian actions: Following reports of Ukrainian sabotage inside Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova framed Ukraine’s actions as a result of Western instruction, calling it international terrorism enabled by the West.
Framing domestic dissent: Russia uses a broader definition of “terrorism” that can blur into concerns about “extremism” and political dissent, allowing the state to categorize internal unrest or external provocations as an assault on national unity. [1, 15]Overall, Western intelligence assessments show that Russia’s hybrid warfare campaign, which includes sabotage and influence operations, is escalating and targets U.S. and European interests. Simultaneously, Russia dismisses these acts while accusing Western powers of sponsoring terrorism and interfering in its affairs. [16, 17, 18]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/new…
[2] babel.ua/en/news/114456-nyt-…
[3] reuters.com/world/russia-acc…
[4] csis.org/analysis/russias-sh…
[5] lieber.westpoint.edu/sabotag…
[6] nbcnews.com/news/world/putin…
[7] aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/28…
[8] jpost.com/international/arti…
[9] usatoday.com/story/news/poli…
[10] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia…
[11] reuters.com/world/us-suspend…
[12] home.treasury.gov/news/press…
[13] nbcnews.com/politics/nationa…
[14] recordedfuture.com/research/…
[15] brookings.edu/articles/putin…
[16] theworldmind.org/briefing-ar…
[17] newsweek.com/donald-trump-ad…
[18] youtube.com/shorts/exLWEUGtP…Putin threatens European leaders who voted for anti-Russia sanctions – Google Search google.com/search?q=Putin+th…
Following Russia’s escalation of its war against Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has made various threats and hostile statements directed at European leaders and countries supporting sanctions against Russia. In September 2025, Europe responded to new Russian drone attacks and hybrid warfare tactics by proposing additional sanctions. [1, 2, 3]
Putin’s threats and hostile actions
Military and hybrid warfare:In September 2025, European leaders, including Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, accused Russia of escalating tensions and “testing how far it can go” by violating NATO airspace.
The accusations followed Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace in early September and Estonian airspace on September 19, which prompted NATO to launch its “Eastern Sentry” deterrence initiative.
The Atlantic Council stated that Russia has been engaged in a multifaceted hybrid warfare campaign against Europe since at least 2022, which includes GPS jamming, sabotage, arson attacks, and assassination attempts. [2, 4, 5]Nuclear threats:
Putin and other Russian officials have repeatedly issued nuclear threats, warning of the danger of a direct confrontation with the West.
In June 2024, Putin suggested that calls for Russia’s “strategic defeat” by Western politicians were reckless given Russia’s nuclear arsenal, stating that a “point of no return” is dangerously close. [6, 7]Targeting leaders with sanctions:
Russia has imposed its own sanctions on thousands of Western politicians, officials, and journalists in retaliation for Western sanctions. [8]
European response
New sanctions package:On September 19, 2025, the European Commission proposed a 19th package of sanctions in response to Russia’s escalated attacks on Ukraine and EU infrastructure.
The package, pending approval by EU member states, includes measures to completely ban Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by 2027 and blacklist additional vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, “As threats escalate, so too will our pressure,” in response to Russia’s provocations. [1, 3, 9]Bolstered military readiness:
Following airspace incursions, Poland invoked NATO’s Article 4 for consultations with allies.
NATO has launched the “Eastern Sentry” initiative and is strengthening its eastern flank with enhanced air defense and intelligence sharing. [2, 5]Diplomatic pressure:
In May 2025, European leaders traveled to Kyiv with a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, warning Russia of “massive” new sanctions if it did not agree. However, Russia continued its attacks, showing little interest in genuine peace talks on Ukraine’s terms. [10, 11, 12]
Challenges to unity:
The European Union faces challenges in maintaining a unified front on Russia sanctions. Some far-right populist parties have historically been more sympathetic to Russia.
Hungary and Slovakia have been noted for sometimes delaying or blocking new sanctions.
Recent American statements under President Trump have also complicated European efforts to present a united front, particularly concerning energy sanctions. [13, 14, 15]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] asisonline.org/security-mana…
[2] theguardian.com/world/live/2…
[3] theguardian.com/world/live/2…
[4] understandingwar.org/researc…
[5] atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/uk…
[6] mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/new…
[7] meduza.io/en/news/2025/08/04…
[8] consilium.europa.eu/en/polic…
[9] eunews.it/en/2025/09/19/19th…
[10] reuters.com/world/europe/eur…
[11] reuters.com/world/europe/eur…
[12] nypost.com/2025/05/10/us-new…
[13] theconversation.com/european…
[14] asisonline.org/security-mana…
[15] link.springer.com/chapter/10… x.com/aleksbrz11/status/1969025792257720611— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 19, 2025
If anyone is interested in social media and HUMINT, have a look at this @RUSI_org piece I did last year ⬇️
Poking the Bear: Social Media and Human Intelligence Recruitment | Royal United Services Institutehttps://t.co/PLyHymUfZC https://t.co/i8VtINog5b
— Dr. Dan Lomas (@Sandbagger_01) September 19, 2025
⚡️Türkiye and Egypt will hold joint naval drills from Sept. 22 to 26 in the eastern Mediterranean. pic.twitter.com/1IR351EvGx
— The Global Monitor (@theglobal4u) September 19, 2025