Declares itself “Holy Rus”, but in reality nothing is sacred: AUCCRO statement on Russian terrorism

Members of the AUCCRO condemned the terrorist attacks of the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities and villages. In particular, this morning, Muscovite terrorists attacked the center of Sumy with ballistic missiles, killing dozens of residents, including children. Before that, terrorists shelled Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro and Kharkiv.

Religious leaders point out that these missile attacks occur on the days of religious Jews and Christians. “Through these cases we see that for the state that declares itself 'Holy Rus', there is nothing sacred,” the statement reads, in full text below:

Statement by the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on Russia's terrorist attacks against Ukraine during Eastertide

Despite the festal period associated with the celebration of the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter, the Russian state continues to terrorize Ukrainian cities and villages day and night with drone and missile attacks, as well as shelling. As a result of these attacks in the cities of Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv and others, many civilians have been killed and injured, housing and other public infrastructure have been destroyed.

Such actions demonstrate that nothing is sacred for the state that declares itself to be "Holy Rus". Basic respect for the value of human life is absent, not to mention respect for the holidays of Christianity and Judaism.

It is worth mentioning that this year's Easter is celebrated on the same day by all Christians: Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants. This year is also a special year for all Christians because of the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

We, heads of Ukrainian Churches and Religious Organizations, strongly condemn the terrorist attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities and villages and call on the world's leading nations to take all possible measures to stop Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and to strengthen Ukraine's capabilities to defend itself and protect life. We call on all people of goodwill to pray for the victory of truth and a just peace for Ukraine.

Our condolences go to the victims of Russian state terror and we beseech the Almighty for just retribution against the perpetrators of this and all other acts of Russian terror against the people of Ukraine.