Russia, through its ideological machine, is enforcing a discussion focused solely on territories. Yet, we are people, not mere territories. We are human beings.
According to the UGCC Department for Information, this was stated by the Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, in the program “Open Church” on Zhyve TV, speaking about the so-called red lines in peace talks with Russia.
“In the context of all the memorandums and negotiations, I miss the conversation about human rights, specifically the natural right to religious freedom,” said the head of the UGCC.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav remarked that Ukraine is a large nation of millions. He stated, “If the Russians do not recognize our people’s subjectivity and our right to exist, and do not honor the fact that we exist, then there is no one to talk to. We remember a similar situation in 2022. The Russians did not regard those who came to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine as equal and worthy interlocutors, as they claimed that our country had no right to exist. If Ukraine does not have the right to exist, what peace agreements can we discuss?”
The Head of the UGCC believes that the focus should now be on the right to life and the personal inviolability of those who have been taken to occupied territories. “Who will speak about the rights of believers there today? We have lost nearly a hundred of our parishes. Who will address our natural right to practice the faith we were born into, even in territories under temporary occupation? Who will discuss restitution or compensation for the wrongs done — both material and human, as well as spiritual?” he questioned.
“We cannot discuss any fair agreements unless the perpetrator is held accountable. No true peace is possible without accountability. I want the dignity of those who live here in Ukraine to be recognized in the context of all negotiations and the pressure put on Ukraine,” the hierarch emphasized.
He recalled the words of Pope Leo XIII that peace must be worthy. “The outcome of such peace agreements must be the opportunity for people to live with dignity and develop on their land. Furthermore, no one should threaten our existence — neither from the sky, land, or sea — by taking away our rights or our very lives,” the Head of the UGCC concluded.