Vladimir Putin believes he is a modern-day “messiah” and comes only second to Jesus.

As the war escalates in Ukraine from Russia and casualties continue to pile up, Putin believes he is on a path to making Russia great again and has strong words for anyone who gets in his way, including the threat of nuclear activity. While the entire world is watching the carnage unleashed in Ukraine from Russian forces, many believe the leader cannot stop and will fight to the very end, wreaking absolute havoc that some believe could lead to the end of days.

Other leaders have started to weigh in on Putin’s God-like complex. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev feared the political power would go to Putin’s head and fears he’s in too deep. Gorbachev tried to warn Putin of the consequences of self-confidence as he previously experienced, but Putin never took his advice. Gorbachev now claims like many others that Putin believes he’s is Russia’s “messiah,” a savior to his people.

Putin sees the Ukraine invasion as a way to unite the Eastern Orthodox Churches in Ukraine under Moscow and regain control saving Russia’s Christianity. A few years ago, the churches gained independence from Moscow, which created new tensions between the nations. Moscow would lose up to a fifth of its 300 million members that were under Moscow’s control since 1686. The dispute between the churches and Moscow was reportedly just a proxy for political issues between Moscow and Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. Putin believes that Ukraine and Russia share “spiritual space,” and the people must be united. His viewpoints have left many assuming that he uses his religious beliefs to advance his political agenda.

Ever since he first assumed the Russian presidency in 2000, Vladimir Putin has been one of the most controversial world leaders. Some have branded him a tyrant, others a savior. As the standoff between Russia and the West continues, it has become increasingly easy to make an accurate assessment of Putin’s character and motives as he continues to do the complete opposite of what he says with many innocent people being put in harm’s way. The damage that has been done across Ukraine does not reflect that of a God.

So what does Vladimir Putin believe in?

Putin was raised by Christian parents and is known to have embraced Christisitianity. However, the Russian leader has always kept his personal beliefs personal. During a 2007 interview with Time Magazine, Putin was asked if he believes in a “Supreme God” when he snapped back “Do you?” to the interviewer. The comment came after Putin was told that Americans view Russia as a “godless country.”

Putin has previously said in interviews that he keeps his religious values separated from his political leadership because he believes the people should be “governed by common sense.” He seems to mainly want to keep his beliefs personal as not to impose on others who may have different opinions.

Putin’s beliefs may continue to be a mystery, but it isn’t difficult to paint the picture of why he chose to invade Ukraine when you break down the row between the Eastern Orthodox Churches and Moscow. Putin could have slipped into a mental reality were his political views, and religious beliefs have become blurred, and he truly believes he is the messiah liberating the people. We can only continue to pray for peace and the people of Ukraine.