The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) has issued an Appeal on the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and on the occasion of the National Day of Prayer for Ukraine. In this appeal, the UCCRO emphasizes that "supreme justice demands the condemnation of Russian aggression—evil must not be rewarded but justly punished."

The appeal also calls upon "representatives of various religious traditions in Ukraine and beyond to turn to the Almighty on this day, each according to their faith, and to unite in prayer for victory and a just peace for Ukraine."

The full text of the appeal is provided below:

APPEAL 

of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on the Eve of the Third Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine and Regarding Prayer for Ukraine 

Another year of the horrific war unleashed by russia against Ukraine and the free world has passed. On February 24, 2025, we mark three years of heroic resistance by Ukraine’s Defense Forces and the entire Ukrainian nation against full-scale russian aggression, as well as the 11th anniversary of the russian-Ukrainian war. 

With God’s help, the resilience of Ukrainian warriors and society, and the support of international partners, the russian aggressor has been halted, its plans thwarted, a significant part of Ukraine’s territory liberated from occupation, and the foundations laid for future victory and the establishment of a just peace for Ukraine. 

Russia’s war of conquest against Ukraine has brought immense suffering, grief, and loss to the Ukrainian people. It has led to the destruction of cities and civilian infrastructure, gross violations of human rights and freedoms in temporarily occupied territories, including religious persecution, the closure of churches, the torture and killing of religious leaders from various denominations, the forced migration of millions, the separation of families, the abduction of Ukrainian children, and the horrific treatment of military personnel and civilian prisoners. 

At the core of russia’s aggression and these heinous crimes lies the chauvinistic and misanthropic ideology of the so-called "russian world", which is actively promoted by the kremlin along with the russian orthodox church and other russian religious institutions. Once again, we call upon democratic nations, religious leaders of various faiths, and all people of goodwill to condemn the ideology of the "russian world" and its adherents.

We honor the memory of every Defender who has given their life for Ukraine and freedom, and we lift our prayers that God may strengthen and comfort every Ukrainian family. We express our deep gratitude to the Ukrainian warriors of the Defense Forces of Ukraine and pray to the Almighty for their strength in the fight for Ukraine’s defense and freedom. 

We extend our gratitude to every individual contributing to the strengthening of Ukraine’s defense capabilities and bringing victory closer. 

We are also grateful to all international partners who, through concrete actions, uphold the value of human life and assist Ukrainians in defending freedom and democracy. Supreme justice demands the condemnation of russian aggression—evil must not be rewarded but justly punished. 

We appeal to the Ukrainian people and authorities to remain courageous in this struggle of good against evil, to believe in the triumph of righteousness, to support one another, to stay united, and to do everything necessary for victory and the common good. 

Recently, the Ukrainian Parliament established a National Day of Prayer, to be observed annually on February 24. We call upon representatives of various religious traditions in Ukraine and beyond to turn to the Almighty on this day, each according to their faith, and to unite in prayer for victory and a just peace for Ukraine. 

May God’s blessing be upon Ukraine and the Ukrainian people! 

Kyiv, 21 February 2025