The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with a delegation of leaders of Christian churches from the Nordic countries
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, held a meeting with a delegation of leaders of Christian churches from the Nordic countries, who are visiting Ukraine at the invitation of His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
The meeting took place on a day of symbolic importance for Ukrainians — Defenders of Ukraine Day, Ukrainian Cossack Day and the Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin.
Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasised Ukraine's gratitude for the consistent support our country receives from the northern European countries in defending peace, restoring territorial integrity and implementing the Euro-Atlantic course. He noted the important role of the Churches, which help Ukrainian refugees and implement humanitarian programmes.
Separately, during the meeting, common challenges were discussed. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada stressed that russia is trying to use religious institutions to justify its aggression, but Ukraine strongly opposes this and will never allow the authority of the Church to be used as a cover for war. He emphasised that religious freedom is a fundamental achievement of Ukrainian statehood, and Ukraine protects it.
Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that our state highly values partnership cooperation with the religious community — both within the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations and through bilateral contacts. He cited chaplaincy, humanitarian activities of churches and assistance to people during the war as examples of such cooperation.