UGCC Head to officials of USA: “That which is going on in Ukraine -- sooner or later -- will touch every American

This stated His Beatitude Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, during the Voice of America program (“Chas/Time”) in Washington, DC in answer to the question of the moderator on what were his thoughts after meeting with American officials on what they were prepared or not prepared to do in order to settle the situation in Ukraine.

“We attempted to explain: that which is going on in Ukraine, sooner or later, will touch every American.  It is not something that relates only to Ukraine or Europe.  Today we are dealing with the future of democracy in Europe, in Eastern Europe, even in Russia.  If USA and Europe abandon Ukraine today or if they do not have a pro-active policy towards it, then humankind may truly wind up at the verge of a new Cold War,” emphasized the Church Prelate.

To the follow-up question as to whether USA has a pro-active policy, His Beatitude Sviatoslav said: “I think they are preparing one.  And this truth about Ukraine, the events which are taking place, the danger of aggression, violence and the intrusion from the side of our northern neighbor, I expect, will push them forward towards this,” noted the Church Head.

He reminded all that religious confessions in Ukraine stated their readiness to be mediators and peace-keepers, because today in Ukraine no one wants a confrontation of force, no one wants war.  “War is being imposed on us, but the Ukrainians want peace.  Therefore, the only alternative to a force variant of resolving the confrontation is a dialogue.  A peaceful resistance, a peaceful protest – is the key to the future of Ukraine,” underlined the UGCC Head.

UGCC Department of Information