Dumenko Says Reconciliation Possible Only After Russia’s Defeat in War with Ukraine

The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Epiphany Dumenko, stated that, in his view, reconciliation between Ukraine and Russia is only possible after the Russian Federation is defeated in the war and acknowledges its guilt. He made this statement on the day of remembrance for the victims of World War II. The full address was published on Epiphany’s Facebook page.

“Reconciliation and forgiveness can only begin once the war ends with Russia’s defeat, when this aggressor state, like Germany once did, admits its guilt and takes responsibility for the evil it has committed,” the address reads.

The OCU leader also drew parallels between the current armed conflict and World War II, noting that the latter began as a result of collusion between the Nazi regime in Germany and the communist leadership of the Soviet Union. He sees in the present war a manifestation of “rashism,” which he described as a modern form of totalitarian ideology threatening not only Ukraine but global security as a whole.

“It is impossible to reconcile with inhuman malice; trying to reach agreement with the aggressor at the expense of truth is nothing but appeasement,” the OCU head declared.

According to him, Jesus Christ never reconciled with evil and commanded people to have peace among themselves, but not with darkness. Therefore, Dumenko believes reconciliation can only come after Russia is defeated and accepts responsibility for the war it started.

Earlier, it was reported that Archbishop Elpidophoros, head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (under the Ecumenical Patriarchate), called the war between Russia and Ukraine “a fratricidal madness.” The hierarch noted that the war occurred due to political ambitions and described the conflict as “unnecessary and heartless.”