Religious institutions face targeted destruction
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian attacks killed about 120 members of the clergy in Ukraine and damaged over 800 religious institutions since the invasion began. During his interview with Tony Perkins on This Week on Capitol Hill, Zelensky explained that intentional, targeted attacks on religious people and institutions by Russian forces resulted in the deaths of approximately 120 members of the clergy. He said these strikes are not accidents. Zelensky added that some religious sites were a thousand years old and faced attacks en masse with drones and missiles, including both cruise and ballistic weapons. Zelensky called the situation "horrific and crazy." This destruction refutes claims from American commentators, such as Tucker Carlson, who accused Kyiv of persecuting religious minorities in Ukraine. Zelensky responded to Perkins by describing the toll Russia’s war has taken on Ukraine’s religious institutions. He noted that the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which includes representatives from 15 different churches and religious groups, meets to discuss humanitarian aid and other wartime issues. He told Perkins, "We are very free," regarding religion in Ukraine.
| Religious Impact Since Invasion | Count |
|---|---|
| Clergy members killed | About 120 |
| Damaged or destroyed religious buildings | Over 800 |
| Church groups in All-Ukrainian Council | 15 |
| Meeting date in Istanbul | October 31 |
Diplomatic efforts in Istanbul
Zelensky met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul on October 31 to discuss peace efforts and the humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied territory of Oleshky. This meeting occurred while Zelensky traveled to Turkey to conduct high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, discussed humanitarian operations in Oleshky and peace efforts with global partners alongside Zelensky. The president’s office reported that the meeting focused on these humanitarian operations and peace efforts. Zelensky expressed gratitude to His All-Holiness for his consistent public position, his support for the Ukrainian state, and his constant prayers for peace in Ukraine. He also thanked the Patriarch for his consistent public position and constant prayers for peace.
