The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the Church of the Ukrainian people. It unites believers in the East and West, North and South of our country. It consists of people of different nationalities and different political persuasions. But we are all one in Christ. For more than 1000 years of its existence, our Church has always been and remains with its people.
Today, our country is going through a time of difficult trials caused by the attack on our country by the troops of the Russian Federation. In all the churches and monasteries of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, fervent prayers for the speedy coming of peace and an end to bloodshed do not stop. We consistently call for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue. War is the most terrible sin that exists in this world. It makes you look at another person not as an image of God, but as an enemy that needs to be destroyed. Therefore, there is no excuse for those who start wars.
Unfortunately, during these few days, a large number of civilians died, among them - the elderly, women and children; humanitarian infrastructure was destroyed - hospitals, maternity hospitals, schools, orphanages; and the survivors are forced to leave their homes and even the country to save their lives, becoming refugees and migrants.
In this regard, in order to prevent even greater victims and suffering of our people, we appeal to everyone on whom it depends to provide real humanitarian corridors for the urgent evacuation of civilians from settlements located in the line of fire and guarantee their safety.
Due to the hostilities, some Ukrainian servicemen, fulfilling their oath and duty to defend the Motherland, unfortunately, were wounded or captured. Therefore, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, taking care of its fellow citizens, asks to show human compassion and Christian mercy, organize the extradition of the wounded and carry out the exchange of prisoners of war.
We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of His Most Pure Mother, will preserve our country and its God-loving people, and give us the long-awaited peace.

ONUFRIY,
METROPOLITAN OF KYIV AND ALL UKRAINE,
PRIMATE OF THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH