The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) has urged the governments of democratic nations to strengthen sanctions against Russia, as well as against Russian politicians, businesspeople, journalists, and religious leaders who are complicit in the ongoing crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
This is included in the UCCRO's statement regarding the Russian Federation's attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
The Council of Churches notes that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, dating back to the 11th century, is one of the primary centers of Christianity in Eastern Europe and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a monastic community where religious life is actively conducted, with divine services and prayers held regularly. Additionally, the Lavra includes a National Reserve that contains numerous museum collections showcasing remarkable historical and cultural artifacts.
The recent Russian shelling of the Lavra represents another atrocity against humanity, Christianity, and Ukraine's spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage. The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) reminds us that since the onset of full-scale war, approximately 800 religious buildings belonging to Christians, Muslims, and Jews in Ukraine have been either completely or partially destroyed or damaged by Russian attacks.
"All these crimes are being committed by the Russian Federation, a state that bears the obligations of a UN member, is a member of UNESCO, and yet, taking advantage of the lack of political will within international institutions and the insufficient resolve of democratic nations, continues its cynical terrorist attacks against Ukrainian cities and perpetrates ever new acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people.
Once again, we call upon the governments of democratic countries to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation, as well as against Russian politicians, business leaders, journalists, and religious figures who are complicit in the ongoing crimes against humanity being committed in Ukraine," emphasize representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.