Zelensky outlines possible dates for trilateral meeting between Ukraine, US, Russia

Russian forces have killed approximately 120 clergy members and damaged over 800 religious institutions since Ukraine's full-scale invasion began, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview on October 31. Some of the targeted sites are over a thousand years old, having been struck by both cruise and ballistic missiles as well as drones.

In an interview on Capitol Hill, Zelensky expressed horror at the targeted nature of these attacks, emphasizing that they were not mere accidents. He reported that Russians had intentionally targeted clergy and religious buildings. Approximately 800 religious structures have been destroyed or damaged during the conflict. Zelensky also highlighted the resilience of religious freedom in Ukraine, referring to the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which comprises representatives from 15 churches and religious groups.

The council convenes to discuss humanitarian aid and other wartime matters. On October 31, Zelensky met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul to discuss the humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky and to explore peace efforts. The patriarch, as the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, met with Zelensky during a visit to Turkey alongside talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Zelensky thanked Bartholomew for his consistent public stance, support for Ukraine's state, and constant prayers for peace.