Ukrainian Orthodox Bishop Calls on Putin to Withdraw Russian Troops from Border with Ukraine

Archbishop of Sumy and Okhtyrka of the UOC (MP) Eulogius (Hutchenko) called on the Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the build-up of the Russian military on the border with Ukraine and to do everything possible to avoid the bloodshed in the Sumy region.

This is stated in an open letter the hierarch published on the website of the Sumy and Okhtyrka Eparchy of the UOC (MP).

"I urge you, dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, to perceive these words as the words of the Lord addressed personally to you," says the hierarch.

As the Archbishop Eulogius states, the military units of the Russian army are located on the border and that fact increases the insecurity among the ordinary residents of Sumy.

"The inhabitants of Sumy, watching military preparations near the border stop seeing our historic neighbors as peacekeepers and brothers. Historically, the Sumy region was a region where peace was cherished and here good neighborly relations and mutual support have always been the key to overcoming any conflicts. Therefore, the current military escalation threatens not only peace in Sumy, but also creates truly devastating consequences for its people, creating the image of the enemy of those whom inhabitants for centuries viewed as their neighbors, brothers and sisters in the same faith. I should note: the following consequences is a real tragedy for the Christian who seeks to build his life according to the commandments of God," said Bishop Eulogius. 

"I respectfully beg and implore you: stop the escalation of military preparations, do everything that depends on you so that no drop of human blood is shed on the blessed ancient Sumy land," said the archbishop of Sumy and Okhtyrka of the UOC (MP) Eulogy.

Text of the letter in Russian -http://www.portal-pravoslavie.sumy.ua/assets/files/curkyl/putin.pdf