Nick Spencer speaks with award–winning journalist, Lucy Ash. 17/06/2025

The Russian Orthodox Church has been conspicuous in its support of Putin’s war against Ukraine. The reasons seem as obvious as they are depressing.

But behind the politics, there are centuries of history and theology. How did we get here? How is history of the church in Russia shaping the nation’s present? How might it shape the future?

This week Nick Spencer talks with Lucy Ash about her book ‘The Baton and the Cross: Russia’s Church from Pagans to Putin’.

Purchase a copy of Lucy’s book here.

Interested in this? Share it on social media. 

Join our monthly e–newsletter to keep up to date with our latest research and events. And check out our Supporter Programme to find out how you can help our work.