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Zelenskyy Shares Iftar With Muslim Soldiers, Exposing Russia’s War on Religion

Zelenskyy Shares Iftar With Muslim Soldiers, Exposing Russia’s War on Religion

On March 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a state Iftar in Kyiv alongside Muslim Ukrainian servicemen, representatives of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, diplomats, and religious leaders.

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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The gathering, held during Ramadan, took place at the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea.

The event, initiated by Zelenskyy in 2023, has since become an official annual tradition. It was organized by the Presidential Representation in Crimea and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea, with support from Kyiv’s Crimean Tatar community.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents an award during Iftar in Kyiv on March 13. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents an award during Iftar in Kyiv on March 13. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents an award during Iftar in Kyiv on March 13. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents an award during Iftar in Kyiv on March 13. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)

Among the attendees were high-ranking Ukrainian officials, including Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Olena Kovalska, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative for Crimea Olha Kuryshko, and Chief of Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov.

Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev, Mejlis Chairman Refat Chubarov, and muftis from Ukraine and abroad also participated. Diplomatic representatives from over a dozen countries, including Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, were present.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, signs a Ukrainian flag for attendees during Iftar in Kyiv on March 13. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, signs a Ukrainian flag for attendees during Iftar in Kyiv on March 13. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev, along with religious and military representatives, attends a formal gathering in Kyiv. Mufti Ayder Rustemov stands among the attendees, dressed in traditional Islamic attire. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev, along with religious and military representatives, attends a formal gathering in Kyiv. Mufti Ayder Rustemov stands among the attendees, dressed in traditional Islamic attire. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents an award during a Iftar in Kyiv on March 13. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents an award during a Iftar in Kyiv on March 13. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ramadan coincided with key diplomatic efforts this year, including a high-level meeting between Ukrainian and US officials, hosted by a Muslim country. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to seeking peace while defending its sovereignty.

During the event, the President awarded Ukrainian servicemen for their bravery. Several soldiers received the Hero of Ukraine title with the Golden Star Order , while others were awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky  (III degree), the Order of Courage  (III degree), and the Medal for Military Service to Ukraine .

Ukrainian servicemen and officials share a meal at a long table during Iftar. Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev is seen among the attendees, engaged in conversation. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
Ukrainian servicemen and officials share a meal at a long table during Iftar. Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev is seen among the attendees, engaged in conversation. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
A group of Ukrainian soldiers engage in conversation. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
A group of Ukrainian soldiers engage in conversation. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sits at a low dining table with Ukrainian Muslim soldiers and officials, sharing a meal during the state Iftar. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sits at a low dining table with Ukrainian Muslim soldiers and officials, sharing a meal during the state Iftar. (Source: Press Service of the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea)

The Iftar also featured the “Al-Insan” exhibition, documenting Russia’s destruction of religious heritage in Ukraine. Organizers highlighted that over 600 religious sites have been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks, including mosques in Bakhmut, Mariupol, and Kyiv, as well as the Great Khan Mosque in Bakhchisarai, which was demolished under Russian occupation. The exhibit also focused on the persecution of the Crimean Tatar Muslim community and the destruction of religious sites in occupied territories.

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The highest national distinction in Ukraine.

Named after the 17th-century Cossack leader Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the order is granted to military personnel, law enforcement officers, and other individuals who have shown bravery, leadership, and dedication in protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The order has three classes (I, II, III degrees), with the first degree being the highest. It is often awarded posthumously to fallen heroes. The Order of Courage III degree, frequently given to frontline soldiers, recognizes acts of valor in combat or other high-risk situations.

The Medal for Military Service to Ukraine is a Ukrainian state award given to military personnel and other individuals for exemplary service, dedication, and contributions to national defense.