Putin distances from witch Alyona Polyn amid intelligence concerns

Alyona Polyn, also known as Elena Sulikova, has been a prominent figure in supporting Vladimir Putin and his regime, leading a group called the Empire of the Strongest Witches. She gained notoriety for casting spells on Putin's enemies and publicly backing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, her recent detention by the FSB has raised concerns about her activities, as investigators found various occult items in her possession, leading to charges of extremism and insulting religious sentiments. Polyn's organization has been accused by Ukrainian intelligence of having ties to Russian intelligence agencies, allegedly recruiting sorcerers to gather information on Ukrainian military movements. Despite her claims of providing psychological support to soldiers and their families, the SBU believes her actions extend beyond mere magic, suggesting a more sinister role in the conflict. The Moscow Region Investigative Committee's actions against her reflect a shift in the Kremlin's stance, as she has now been placed on a register of extremists and terrorists. This development indicates a growing concern within the Russian government regarding the potential implications of her activities and the influence of occult practices in the political landscape. Polyn has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that her organization is not a recruitment center for government agencies. Nevertheless, her past support for Putin and the current charges against her highlight the complexities of her role in Russian society, where folk healing and esotericism are prevalent, and the intertwining of politics and the supernatural remains a contentious issue.