FLASH NEWS
When war meets magic, the rituals that are taking over Russia in times of crisis
2026-04-20 22:58:06 / BOTA
A woman who calls herself a witch, Natalia Malinovskaya, has found a new clientele: men fighting in eastern Ukraine. Like a growing number of Russians, they are turning to the supernatural world at a time of conflict and economic uncertainty.
Natalia Malinovskaya: “ People who are now in the special military operation in Ukraine, yes, they contact us, and there are a lot of them .” In her dark Moscow apartment, Malinovskaya – who says she inherited her powers from her grandmother – offers services ranging from love spells to protection from evil. She has also become a popular figure on Russian television.
Demonstrating how she detects "negative energy" on a person's health, through a lit match on a glass, she says most clients come to her with love problems - including soldiers worried about their partners' fidelity.
1. Natalia Malinovskaya: “ If you are in a war and a woman has betrayed you, let her go and forget about her .”
Natalia Malinovskaya: “ It is impossible to perform a ritual at the front. Where would they light candles and how would I send them? There are practical limitations. I usually tell them: I can talk to you, but when you return with leave, come and see me. Many of them pass through Moscow, some are already here. So I always tell them: when you return from the front, and if this is still important to you, then come and we will do something .”
Orthodox Christianity, mysticism, and folk superstitions have coexisted in Russia for centuries – from the Tsarist period to the religious repression of the Soviet era.
Interest in the supernatural has surged in times of crisis – such as the end of the Russian Empire, when Rasputin’s influence over the royal family sparked public outrage, and then in the chaotic years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, the phenomenon is making a comeback. According to the state-run VTsIOM polling institute, today’s geopolitical and economic challenges have significantly increased anxiety, fueling a new boom in belief in the mystical.
A survey published in March found that 85% of Russians have tried at least one “magical” practice. “In such conditions, especially in the shadow of military threats, faith – whatever form it takes – becomes a psychological defense mechanism,” the report said. Meanwhile, Russia’s years-long offensive in Ukraine has brought dire consequences: a humanitarian crisis, damage to its international image, and a rise in the cost of living.
Nearly half of Russians believe that some people can predict the future or have supernatural powers – a significant increase compared to 2019. Demand for objects such as crystal balls and protective amulets has more than doubled, while sales of aspen wood pins – believed to protect against evil spirits – have quadrupled.
At an esoteric shop in Moscow, customers ask for crystals, tarot cards and incense to cleanse energy or bring good luck. Yulia Gusanova, co-owner We recommend people choose objects with natural stones or something that works as a mirror protection. I can show you mirror rings.
We have them and use them ourselves. Yulia Gusanova: “ Black obsidian spheres are in high demand. Obsidian is considered a stone of protection. It is used in magical and healing practices. In magic it is used as a protective stone, while in healing practices it helps normalize blood pressure .” Even a voodoo-themed bar, which offers card readings, is taking advantage of this climate.
Arina Frants fortune teller “ First, people ask about relationships. They are the main topic. Work comes second. The third most common question is: when will they meet their love. ” Evgeniya Chassagnard owner In our case, it turned out that we were at the right moment. There was a surge of interest in esotericism in the country.
People needed some kind of distraction, and our concept fit that need very well. The return of mysticism has also met with opposition. Last year, some lawmakers proposed banning advertising for services like astrology or energy healing, warning of financial exploitation of vulnerable people.
Natalia Malinovskaya: “ I think it would be better if there was peace. I have never spoken against the Church. I always tell people to go to church .” “ I make the Holy Thursday salt myself, on Maundy Thursday. I collect the blessed water on January 19. It is always the day when I collect water from seven churches. That is how my grandmother taught me and that is how I have always lived. ” The Russian Orthodox Church has reacted sharply. Patriarch Kirill has condemned the influence of “predictors” and psychics, calling them manipulative.
“ There is a dark force in divination. If miracles are associated with divine power, then divination is associated with a demonic power ,” he said, linking the phenomenon to Satanism. However, church representatives emphasize that they do not see this phenomenon as a competition for believers. “ It is not about competition, because that would mean a fight for clients ,” says a spokesman.
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