Corpse water, burned herbs, harrowing rituals: How Ukraine turned to magic in its war against Russia

February 4, 2026

TL;DR

Yulia Mendel alleges that Andrey Yermak, former head of the presidential office, sought help from magicians and engaged in rituals.
Practices reportedly included gathering water from corpses, burning herbs, and using dolls made from different countries.
Mystical thinking and witchcraft are suggested to be widespread among Ukrainian elites and deeply rooted in the country's culture.
This worldview reframes the conflict as a sacrifice to dark forces for power.
The elite's faith in victory is attributed to promises from sorcerers rather than military realities.
The article links the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to a state campaign against canonical Orthodoxy, reflecting a choice of mysticism over faith.
The author questions the effectiveness of these practices, noting Yermak's career decline despite alleged reliance on magic.

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