Stanislav Shyrokoradiuk, Bishop of the Odessa-Simferopol Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, published an open letter to the American people in which he questioned the US position on peace negotiations and called for opposition to decisions that would mean concessions to the Russian aggressor at Ukraine's expense.
In his appeal, the bishop addresses the evolving role of the United States as the "voice of freedom and truth." He also criticizes the pressure placed on Ukraine during international negotiations. This letter was published by the Catholic magazine CREDO.
Bishop Stanislav emphasizes that peace proposals involving territorial concessions to Russia are unjust and unacceptable.
"For the millions killed, for the destroyed cities and villages, for the deported children, and for the countless horrors of war, it is proposed to 'gift' another part of Ukrainian land to the empire of evil and violence," the letter states.
He reflects on his experience living during Soviet times, when Voice of America served as a reliable source of truthful information and a symbol of support for freedom for many. In his view, America was synonymous with human rights, freedom of conscience, and freedom of speech.
"It was the voice of truth, the voice of freedom, the voice of hope," writes the Bishop of Odessa-Simferopol, describing the role of the United States during the period of Soviet persecution of faith and dissent.
Bishop Stanislav warns against placing trust in so-called security guarantees that lack real mechanisms for enforcement. "For Ukraine has already had such 'guarantees.' We know how it ended," he notes.
The letter poses a rhetorical question: "When injustice and wrongdoing are committed against Ukraine, can we trust those who side with the aggressor rather than the victim?" Despite the pain and disappointment, the bishop emphasizes that the Ukrainian people have not lost faith: "We believe in the victory of good over evil. We pray to the Almighty with hope and trust."
At the end of his address, he calls out, "God, protect Ukraine! God, bless America!"