WCC calls for Russia to immediately end illegal, immoral invasion of Ukraine

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay called for an immediate end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine after a massive wave of missiles and drones killed at least 10 people and injured more than 30.

The wave of attacks also caused severe damage to the main cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Dormition Cathedral), a UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries of prayer, monastic witness, and the relics of saints dwell together. “Moreover, Russian aerial weapons reportedly struck high-rise residential buildings in nearly every district of the capital,” said Pillay. 

“The WCC calls upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to uphold the dignity of every human life, to respect and protect civilians, places of worship and cultural heritage, and to renew efforts toward a just and sustainable peace.”

Pillay also underscored the urgent need for dialogue, reconciliation, and an end to the cycle of violence. 

“Russia must stop these attacks immediately, and end its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine now,” he said. “We call for full legal accountability for the perpetrators of all such criminal attacks on civilians, humanitarians, and civilian infrastructure.”

WCC Statement on Russia’s campaign of armed aggression against Ukraine