The Pan-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations released a declaration on Russia's recent referendum.
The document says that they are 'an illegal and violent attempt to annex part of the territory of Ukraine' and that it is contrary to international law. It points out that these referendums are held in areas under military occupation, so it cannot be said that people can vote freely.
The Council calls on the international community not to recognize the referendums and on Russian authorities to cease their annexation plans.
Among those who have issued the statement is the leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Day after day since the beginning of the war, he posts video messages to give an account of the atrocities that Ukraine is experiencing and to encourage the population to fight.
KG/JRB
