Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was caused by societal moral decay, including a widespread indulgence in sinful behaviour such as masturbation, a senior figure in the Russian Orthodox Church has claimed.

Speaking during a public sermon, Father Andrei Tkachev described the conflict as divine retribution for humanity’s growing disregard for spiritual values and moral discipline. He also cited abortion as a significant factor contributing to the war.

“If seed is spilled, then blood will be spilled. This is one of the factors explaining why war occurs – because seed is spilled indiscriminately. Seed contains blood; seed contains a person,” Tkachev said, suggesting that wasting male reproductive potential symbolically and literally contributes to violence.

“The only place where a man’s seed should flow is into the womb of his lawful wife. That’s it! If seed is spilled elsewhere, then along with it, future blood is spilled. Where depravity appears, bloodshed is inevitable,” he continued, advocating repentance and a collective return to spiritual principles as the only path to peace.

Tkachev criticised abortion as a "devastating sin" that has harmed Russia’s population and spiritual vitality. He argued that abortion has caused greater losses to the nation than war, framing the practice as a moral failure that invites divine punishment.

According to Tkachev, Russia’s own moral failings are the reason why Western-supplied missiles have struck Russian cities. He described these attacks as divine punishment for “depravity and the killing of the innocent.”

“Abortions have destroyed our gene pool, turned us into libertines and murderers... It is because of the killing of the innocent that the Lord is punishing us with these HIMARS or SCALPs flying over our cities – reaching Voronezh, Kazan, Taganrog and St Petersburg,” he said. “We will not have peace until we repent.”

HIMARS is an American multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) used by Ukraine since 2024, while SCALP is the French version of the British Storm Shadow long-range missile. Both have been used in strikes within Russia, including the Kursk region.

Tkachev is known for controversial statements linking spiritual failings to geopolitical events. He has previously criticised urban lifestyles, alleging they encourage homosexuality, and described women pursuing leadership roles as part of a "plague" undermining traditional values.