Ukrainian churches support European integration of Ukraine

Heads and representatives of ten Ukrainian churches have supported the European integration of Ukraine and urged Russia to respect this choice, according to the text of statement of the Ukrainian churches and religious organizations regarding the debate about the European values in Ukraine.

Ukraine has strong links to Europe as its spiritual, cultural, educational and legal traditions were based on European values. The European choice of Ukraine does not put it on a confrontational track with its northern neighbor Russia as the latter also has strong links with Europe, the statement says.

“We hope that the Russian people and state will recognize the right of Ukraine to choose its own way into the future,” the statement notes.

The statement was signed by Patriarch Filaret (Ukrainian Orthodox Church), Patriarch Volodymyr (Moscow-affiliated Orthodox Church), head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Archbishop Svyatoslav, as well as leaders of many other confessions and religious organizations of Ukraine.