UGCC head Sviatoslav Shevchuk criticized Trump's "peace plan"

The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Sviatoslav Shevchuk, on December 21, 2025, criticized the peace plan being discussed by diplomats from the United States, Ukraine and Russia, calling it “so-called.” In his video message, he emphasized the ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and called on the international community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, insisting on the need to create conditions for genuine peace, not just signing a document.

In the published video message, Shevchuk did not specify why he characterized the diplomatic efforts initiated by the United States as “so-called.” However, he emphasized the situation with Russian shelling in Odessa, Black Sea region, Pokrovsk, Mirnohrad, Kupyansk and Gulyaypol. The head of the UGCC noted that “the enemy has begun to change its tactics and every night chooses a new victim among our peaceful cities,” which indicates the continuing escalation of the conflict.

Shevchuk expressed hope that “the world will stand in solidarity with Ukraine, especially when negotiating a so-called peace plan to end this war.” He emphasized the UGCC’s desire that “the powerful of this world should be imbued with the pain and suffering of ordinary Ukrainians.” According to him, the desire for peace in the UGCC is not in a formal agreement, but in creating a space for a full life: “We want peace, which is not just a signed paper, but a space of life, where you can live, have warmth, light, have a future, be protected, be able to build your life.

Recall that Pope Leo XIV recently held talks with Vladimir Zelensky, which centered on achieving peace in the Russian-Ukrainian war. During an impromptu press conference at Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff also touched on the topics of future European security, peace initiatives and expressed cautious optimism about a possible visit to Kiev, while voicing concern about certain aspects of US President Donald Trump’s plans.