Ukrainian church leaders back UWC’s global campaign to protect children

Ukrainian religious leaders have joined the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) global initiative, “Stand With Ukraine: Protect Future Generations”, to support Ukrainian children affected by Russia’s invasion. The campaign underscores the urgent need to defend their rights, language, and cultural identity.

Metropolitan Epiphanius, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), called on the faithful and all people of goodwill to take part in the campaign and in joint prayers for children impacted by the war, stressing the importance of safeguarding their future.

“Nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been illegally deported by Russian occupiers. They are being stripped of their native language, identity, and future. On February 24, I urge everyone to join Stand With Ukraine so the world hears their voices and Ukrainian children are protected,” said the head of the OCU.

Murat Suleimanov Mufti of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine “Umma” and one of Ukraine’s spiritual leaders highlighted the resilience of Ukrainian children who, despite occupation and attempts to erase their language and culture, continue to fight for their future.

“More than 1.5 million children remain in temporarily occupied territories. Russia is trying to destroy their identity, but they are holding on. We, as adults, cannot give up while our children are fighting for their future,” Suleimanov said.

Moshe Azman, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, emphasized the need to protect the future of children harmed by the war and called for united action and prayer across faith communities so that Ukrainian children can preserve their identity, grow up with dignity, and feel the world’s support.

“This recalls the events of 1827, when tsarist Russia took Jewish children from their families, forced them into military service, and tore them away from their language, religion, and culture. Today, Russia’s actions against Ukrainian children are a crime. The religious community and the international community must do everything possible to protect these children and their future,” he said.