Ukrainian Greek Catholic Leader Warns: Putin’s Ambitions Extend Beyond Ukraine, This Is a Global Battle

His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), delivered a address in Berlin, highlighting that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Germany, Europe, and the global democratic order.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav spoke during the annual “St. Michael’s Reception,” as reported by the UGCC press service.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that Ukraine is approaching 1,000 days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, noting, “A thousand days of air raid sirens, a thousand days of war, and a decade since the first act of aggression with Crimea’s annexation and the onset of the Donbas war.” He described the war as a marathon where Ukrainians must maintain a sprint-like pace to avoid defeat.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav urged Germany and the broader international community to support Ukraine, emphasizing that his visit was meant to offer hope and share the source of Ukraine’s resilience. He condemned Russia’s genocidal intentions, pointing out that Putin has shown no sign of stopping and highlighted recent praise for convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov as evidence of this threat.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav framed the war as a broader crisis impacting European stability, stressing that Putin’s objectives extend beyond Ukraine, potentially destabilizing Germany and the rest of Europe through further displacement of refugees and other means. He argued against any peace deal that condones aggression, asserting that such agreements would undermine global security and encourage further acts of aggression.

The “St. Michael’s Reception” in Berlin, which gathers around 500 guests including policymakers and media representatives, provided a platform for this message. This year’s event was attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze, and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.