The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church removed Metropolitan Nestor of Korsun from the post of Exarch of Western Europe. In his place it appointed Metropolitan Mark of Ryazan and Mikhaylov, known for his pro Putin stance, including his support for the war against Ukraine.

As reported on the website of the ROC Exarchate in Western Europe, according to the resolution of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of March 12, 2026, Metropolitan Mark has been appointed His Eminence of Korsun and Western Europe, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe, with the temporary retention of his administration of the Spanish Portuguese Diocese and the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Italy, as well as the Budapesht Hungarian Diocese. The dismissed Metropolitan Nestor has been appointed vicar of the Korsun Diocese, that is, an assistant to Mark.

According to media reports, Metropolitan Nestor was removed from the post of Exarch of Western Europe in early November 2025. The press service of the Russian Orthodox Church did not give reasons for the decision. The statement noted that church judicial proceedings had begun against the clergyman. An unofficial reason for the investigation was said to be Nestor’s participation in sports poker tournaments.

As LF reported, Metropolitan Mark is known for regularly promoting the justification of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine for several years.

For example, in February 2023 he stated that in conditions of combat a Christian may violate the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.” In an interview with Russian regional media, Mark stressed that in religious tradition “there is a long standing practice of blessing participation in wars,” and that it “cannot be ignored.”

In October 2024 Mark Golovkov supported the position of President Vladimir Putin, stating that the decision not to stop the war in Ukraine corresponds to the “elimination of the root causes of the conflict.” He called these words “truly golden.”

According to LF sources, the figure of the new Exarch of Western Europe only strengthens concerns about the risks connected with the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Europe.