Activity of Neo-Pagan Organizations in Ukraine in 2014–2021

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of neo-paganism, which manifested itself during the socio-political confl ict in Ukraine in 2014. Neo-paganism is a heterogeneous and dynamic phenomenon that takes many forms in interaction with right-wing radical and extremist organizations. Its inherent opposition to universalist religions and, accordingly, to the established social order would lead to the exploitation of neo-pagan ideas and symbols in protests and violent actions by right-wing radical organizations. The legitimization of violence in such organizations was based precisely on romanticized images of pagans represented as fearless and ruthless fi ghters. We also present a classifi cation of neo-pagan organizations operating on the territory of Ukraine in 2014–2022. This classifi cation assumes the division of neo-pagan organizations into groups based on the cultural layer reproduced by them, i.e. Slavic pre-Christian culture, ancient “knowledge” of the Cossacks, Western European forms of paganism and neo-pagan ideological choices (musicians, poets, etc.). Forms of interaction between right-wing radical organizations and neo-pagans during the Euromaidan and in the subsequent so-called anti-terrorist operation are also investigated. Examples of the participation of neopagans in political actions and cult practices adopted by them during Euromaidan are provided. The number of persons who consider themselves to be neo-pagans increased in 2000, 2013, 2018 and 2021. The peak of the development of neo-paganism falls on 2021, when the percentage of neo-pagans amounted to 0.2 per cent for the fi rst time. Ukrainian statistical studies see an infl ux of young people aged 18–29 years to these groups. We touch upon the problem of changes in neo-pagan ideas during the socio-political confl ict in Ukraine and their integration into nationalist and neoNazi rhetoric. The factors that caused the popularity, social recognition and attractiveness of neo-paganism in diff erent social groups of Ukraine in 2021 are outlined. The most recognizable Ukrainian organization exploiting neo-pagan practices, ideas, and symbols is the Azov Regiment (recognized by the court as a terrorist organization and banned on the territory of the Russian Federation).