All-Ukrainian Council of Churches urged the international community to toughen sanctions against Russia

The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO) has issued an official statement in which it strongly condemned the massive attacks on Ukrainian cities and called on the states of the world to significantly increase sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation. The reason for the appeal were missile and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure, committed on May 13-14, 2026. This is reported by the press service of the Department.

The text of the statement emphasizes that the attacks affected Kiev, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odessa, Lviv and other regions, which led to the death and injury of civilians, including children. The WCCIRO characterized the actions of the Russian Federation as crimes against humanity and noted that the Russian side, despite the status of a permanent member of the UN Security Council, demonstratively disregards international law. The religious leaders emphasized that the ideology and practice of «Rashism» represent a modern form of fascism.

The Council of Churches called on the international community not only to strengthen economic restrictions, but also to impose personal sanctions against Russian politicians, their family members and religious figures who provide ideological support for aggression and justify war crimes. The appeal calls on the members of the UN Security Council to show their will to establish a just peace and officially condemn Russia’s actions.

The authors of the document expressed special gratitude to the Air Defense Forces of Ukraine, medics, rescuers and life support services for their selfless service in the conditions of terrorist attacks. At the end of the statement, the AUCCIRO called for prayers for the victims and thanked international partners for maintaining solidarity with the Ukrainian people in this difficult time.