In brief
As part of Ukraine's strategy to secure ongoing U.S. support against Russian aggression, a significant delegation is attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. This event marks Ukraine’s largest-ever participation, featuring pastors, military chaplains, and Members of Parliament who will emphasize the importance of protecting religious freedom as a rationale for continued financial aid. They contend that Russian expansion would jeopardize multiple Christian denominations and result in the systematic oppression of believers, including the destruction of places of worship and the detention of clergy.
During the gathering, these Ukrainian representatives plan to share testimonies of religious persecution, including personal accounts from affected communities. Roman Lozynskyi, a Ukrainian MP from the opposition Holos Party, expressed concerns regarding the ongoing suppression of non-Russian Orthodox religious groups in occupied territories, citing the case of a Greek Catholic priest who was deported from Melitopol. Their mission seeks to resonate with U.S. officials and congressional members, motivating them to reinforce support for Ukraine amidst ongoing hostilities.
