'We want the world to hear: today, there is an unprecedented escalation of war,' — Head of UGCC
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, stated this in his traditional video address, as reported by the UGCC Department for Information.
He noted that the Russian Federation has launched one of its most significant attacks, particularly targeting Kyiv. The enemy aims to systematically destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure. On Thursday, October 10, the capital experienced a partial blackout, leaving large cities without electricity and water. As a result, the lives of civilians in these areas are turning into a nightmare. The recent attack caused many casualties, including children; in a single day, approximately 20 people lost their lives in Kyiv.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized, “Today, we want the world to hear: at a time when leaders, even in Russia, are discussing peace negotiations, there is an unprecedented escalation of war.”
According to him, Ukraine was the focus of attention at this year's assembly of presidents of European bishops' conferences. He mentioned that Archbishop Crociata, Head of the COMECE Commission and the Catholic Church's representative body to the European Union, moved many with his report. He highlighted that the post-war generation, which experienced the horrors of World War II, is fading away. The slogan of a united Europe back then was “Never again.”
“Today, in the political circles of European countries,” the spiritual leader of Ukrainians pointed out, “we are increasingly hearing slogans like ‘we can do it again.’ The term ‘war’ is becoming more associated with computer games or political contests. Unfortunately, sympathy for aggressive language, extreme positions, polarization, and hatred appears to yield political benefits. Therefore, Christians in Europe must be particularly vigilant. The war in Ukraine represents a civilizational challenge for all of Europe.”
