The Ukraine war has given rise to an ‘exorcism economy’ in Russia

The Russian Orthodox Church’s appointment of Vladimir Putin as 'chief exorcist' in 2022 could also help explain why some Russians have been drawn into a fight with their inner demons

The renewed interest in exorcism within Russia may represent a broader cultural response to political and personal instability — echoing the turbulence of the 1980s. But the country has also long nurtured an appetite for the paranormal.

“Please tell me where to go? A 14-year-old teenager has been possessed by a demon … we tried healers, but they couldn’t help … has anyone encountered this? Moscow region.” This is one of many similar pleas that have been circulating in Russia’s online communities in recent years.

According to reports in Russian media outlets such as Gazeta.ru, thousands of people in Russia are actively discussing exorcisms on social media. This is a spiritual ritual performed by a handful of Russian priests to expel spirits or demons from a person who is believed to be possessed.