"Ukraine entered the election period. Elections are a test for the state, for democracy, a test for unity of any society. And especially for a society that is in a state of war. There are Russian divisions at the border ready to invade," President Petro Poroshenko said in a meeting with members of the Nationwide Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
"Ukraine entered the election period. Elections are a test for the state, for democracy, a test for unity of any society. And especially for a society that is in a state of war. There are Russian divisions at the border ready to invade," President Petro Poroshenko said in a meeting with members of the Nationwide Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
The Head of State stressed that shelling and provocations on the frontline were taking place every day. And, unfortunately, almost every day our heroes give their lives for freedom, independence of our state, for the opportunity to rebuild the state.
"I would be very grateful if the Nationwide Council of Churches called for the elections without violence, in peace and tranquility. Your call for public harmony will surely be heard. This appeal could be complemented by prayers for victory, peace and unity in Ukraine," the President addressed the participants of the meeting.
Petro Poroshenko noted that this is called the hybrid war waged by the Kremlin. Its representatives not only attack our country in the east, illegally annexed Crimea, but also conduct an active information warfare, spread fake news, lies, discord and hatred.
The President is convinced that today, when Ukraine absolutely needs unity and peace, in this difficult time, the voice of the church is extremely important. "Important in matters of public peace, because you have a great authority in society," he said.
In turn, Supreme Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Sviatoslav said: "Together with the Ukrainian volunteers, we have said “no” to the violence during the elections".
"Indeed, it bothers us that there are manifestations of aggression, manifestations of hatred, confrontation that someone wants to impose in the Ukrainian society. But those whom the Ukrainian people trust the most - the army, volunteers, churches and religious organizations - say together: “no” to the violence," he emphasized.
"Otherwise necessary conditions for honest and fair, transparent elections cannot be created," the Supreme Archbishop of the UGCC noted.