Ukrainian President Zelenskyy joins Muslim soldiers for iftar program

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy participates in iftar gathering with Muslim troops, emphasizes unity amid challenges

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy joined an iftar program for Muslim soldiers serving in the Ukrainian army in the capital city of Kyiv.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Zelenskyy broke fast with Muslim soldiers serving in the country’s army at the Crimean Muslims Religious Administration in Kyiv.

The program was attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian Intelligence Main Directorate Kirilo Budanov, and other officials.

The event also saw the presence of the national leader of the Crimean Tatars Mustafa Abdulcemil Kirimoglu, Türkiye’s Public Ombudsman Seref Malkoc, and diplomatic mission representatives from Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Palestine, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Libya, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Sudan, Qatar, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan. 

Zelenskyy presented awards to Muslim soldiers during the program, stating that they had initiated a new tradition last year.

Zelenskyy expressed solidarity in celebrating the blessed Ramadan together. 

“The political leadership of our state, military commanders, representatives of the Ukrainian Muslim community, the Crimean Tatar National Assembly, and diplomatic missions – all together. I am very happy that we are all here together in the same place today. Unity is always important. Especially when lives are under the shadow of war and vicious attacks, unity is crucial,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Muslim soldiers serving in the Ukrainian Defense and Security forces for their courage, appreciating their struggle in defending the country and its freedoms.

He also criticized Russia’s treatment of Muslims in Crimea.

“Russia’s attempt to enslave Ukraine and other people of Europe began precisely from the occupation of the Ukrainian Crimea, precisely from repressions in the Crimea against Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar freedom, against Crimean Muslims,” Zelenskyy said.

Source: Newsroom

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