**Ukraine’s President Reveals Devastating Toll on Religious Sites**
As Easter celebrations approach, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a heart-wrenching announcement. According to him, over 600 religious sites in Ukraine have been destroyed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. This devastating news comes as millions of Ukrainians prepare to attend church services during the holy week.
**A Threat to Faith and Freedom**
President Zelensky emphasized that the Russian military poses a significant threat not only to physical safety but also to the country’s Christian heritage. He highlighted the tragic fate of at least 67 Ukrainian priests, pastors, and monks who were killed or tortured by Russian occupiers during the conflict. These statistics paint a grim picture of the war’s impact on Ukraine’s religious community.
**A Message of Hope and Resilience**
In a bid to reassure Ukrainians that their faith will not be extinguished, President Zelensky vowed to rebuild all damaged religious sites. He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to recover from this tragedy and continue to protect its people and their places of worship. This message is a testament to Ukraine’s resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity.
**Easter Ceasefire: A Temporary Reprieve?**
In a separate development, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire on Easter weekend, calling for a halt to all military action from 6 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21. However, this announcement has been met with skepticism, as local officials reported continued shelling and civilian casualties on the same evening.
**Previous Attacks on Ukraine’s Orthodox Holidays**
The proposed Easter ceasefire follows previous Russian attacks on Ukraine during major Orthodox holidays. In one instance, a deadly strike on Sumy on Palm Sunday killed 35 people. Another attack on Kharkiv during Good Friday resulted in the death of one person and injured 120 others. These incidents highlight Russia’s disregard for human life and its unwillingness to respect Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
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