Zelenskyy Marks Ramadan With Muslim Soldiers Fighting on the Frontline

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined Ukrainian Muslim service members, religious leaders, and foreign diplomats for Iftar on March 2. 

This traditional evening meal takes place during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The gathering included members of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people and representatives of the broader Muslim community.

During the event, the President presented several state awards to Muslim soldiers. These honors included the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree, the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky III degree, and the Order “For Courage” III degree. Other soldiers received the Order of Danylo Halytsky and medals for military service and defending the country.

“Ukraine stood its ground in this war and is capable of defending itself precisely because these are millions of people who did not break, did not betray Ukraine, and simply did not betray human dignity,” Zelenskyy said. 

He noted that this is the thirteenth Ramadan the community has observed under the difficult conditions of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

“We very much want next year’s Ramadan to be in peace. And we wish this for absolutely all nations that are now in danger, who are now at war,” he added.

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Opinion

What Russia is Doing to Crimea’s Indigenous People Echoes Soviet Repression From 81 Years Ago

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Mustafa Dzhemilev, the leader of the Crimean Tatar people, stated that the indigenous people of Crimea maintain close contact with those living on the occupied peninsula. He noted that despite Russian propaganda and punitive measures, the vast majority of the population remains loyal to Ukraine.

"According to information we receive from various sources, more than 90 percent–and according to other estimates, about 95–96 percent–of the indigenous people of Crimea, despite the frantic Russian propaganda and punitive measures of the occupiers, remain faithful to their country, pray for the successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and beyond," Dzhemilev said.

Ramadan began on February 17 and will conclude on March 19 this year. The month is defined by a strict daily fast where believers abstain from food and water from dawn until sunset. It is a period dedicated to prayer and spiritual reflection for Muslims globally.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined Ukrainian Muslim service members, diplomats, and religious leaders for a state Iftar in Kyiv. The event, which took place at the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea, continued an official annual tradition initiated by the President in 2023.

During the gathering, Zelenskyy presented several high-level awards for bravery, including the Hero of Ukraine title and the Golden Star Order, to soldiers defending the country. 

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