In an effort to secure ongoing U.S. assistance against Russian aggression, Ukraine has dispatched its largest delegation ever to the National Prayer Breakfast, a key event in Washington that attracts influential Christian leaders. The Ukrainian representatives—including pastors, parliament members, and military chaplains—aim to stress the importance of religious freedom as a rationale for continued U.S. support.
The National Prayer Breakfast, held since 1953, serves as a platform for leaders from various sectors to connect with lawmakers and influence policies. The Ukrainian delegation hopes to resonate with attendees, particularly those affiliated with the Trump administration, to draw attention to escalating religious persecution in areas under Russian control.
During the breakfast, delegates will argue that further advances by Russia threaten a broad range of Christian denominations, leading to the destruction of churches and the detainment of clergy members—actions that have been well-documented by human rights organizations in occupied regions. Roman Lozynskyi, a member of the opposition Holos Party, stated, “Russia doesn’t just kill people, doesn’t just destroy our cities — Russia also destroys and bans religious communities” in these territories.
Lozynskyi, a member of the Greek Catholic Church, shared a personal account of persecution faced by colleagues, citing the recent deportation of a priest from the Russian-held city of Melitopol as indicative of the ongoing suppression against Catholic congregations. Through this outreach, Ukraine seeks to draw critical international attention to the threat against religious freedoms and galvanize support for its continuing fight against Russian advances.
The National Prayer Breakfast, held since 1953, serves as a platform for leaders from various sectors to connect with lawmakers and influence policies. The Ukrainian delegation hopes to resonate with attendees, particularly those affiliated with the Trump administration, to draw attention to escalating religious persecution in areas under Russian control.
During the breakfast, delegates will argue that further advances by Russia threaten a broad range of Christian denominations, leading to the destruction of churches and the detainment of clergy members—actions that have been well-documented by human rights organizations in occupied regions. Roman Lozynskyi, a member of the opposition Holos Party, stated, “Russia doesn’t just kill people, doesn’t just destroy our cities — Russia also destroys and bans religious communities” in these territories.
Lozynskyi, a member of the Greek Catholic Church, shared a personal account of persecution faced by colleagues, citing the recent deportation of a priest from the Russian-held city of Melitopol as indicative of the ongoing suppression against Catholic congregations. Through this outreach, Ukraine seeks to draw critical international attention to the threat against religious freedoms and galvanize support for its continuing fight against Russian advances.
