Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Jan Wessels, Secretary General of the European Evangelical Alliance, to discuss Russia's crimes in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. He highlighted that since 2014, Russian forces have been involved in the kidnapping, torture, and killing of clergymen in Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 ministers from various religious organizations.
This was stated by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a meeting with Jan Wessels, Secretary General of the European Evangelical Alliance.
“We greatly appreciate the alliance's support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russian invaders. Evangelical Protestant churches are actively participating in the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. Their contribution to aiding both the Ukrainian front and those in need is significant,” stated the head of government.
Shmyhal spoke about Russia's crimes against believers in the temporarily occupied territories.
He noted that “since 2014, Russian invaders have killed at least 70 clergymen.”
“Russia is attempting to destroy freedom of conscience, persecutes Protestant communities, kidnaps and tortures clergy, and prohibits the activities of independent religious organizations. Ukraine is fighting for both spiritual and national freedom,” the head of government explained. He expressed gratitude to Wessels for supporting the Ukrainian people.
Shmyhal also announced Ukraine's humanitarian initiatives, including a demining program.
“It is crucial that the liberated territories become safe for living, community restoration, and ministry once again,” he emphasized.
He expressed thanks to the European Evangelical Alliance for their significant spiritual and humanitarian support for Ukraine.
“It is essential for us that our friends and allies around the world communicate the truth about Ukraine's struggle for the values of freedom, human dignity, and faith to a broader audience,” Shmyhal concluded.