Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Consulate General of Ukraine in Istanbul on February 28.
The Patriarch expressed deep condolences over the unjustified losses among the defenders of Ukraine and the civilian population of our state, the Consulate General reports on its Facebook page.
He stressed that the Mother Church condemns the groundless Russian invasion of the sovereign Ukrainian state, stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and tirelessly prays for an end to the violence committed by the aggressor in our state and the speedy restoration of a just peace in the country.
The Patriarch said that on the eve of the evening of February 27, he held a telephone conversation with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, during which he expressed support for the head of state, government and people of Ukraine.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also wished all Ukrainian diplomats strength and endurance in times of difficult trials and challenges.
In turn, Consul General Roman Nedilsky expressed deep gratitude for this display of support.
"Your prayers protect and inspire all Ukrainians. We believe that with God's help, Ukraine will be able to overcome Russian aggression, and such a necessary peace will come to our state," the Consul General stressed.