Ukraine is making a significant effort to bolster U.S. support through an impactful appeal at this week's National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. The delegation, featuring influential Ukrainian pastors, Parliament members, and military chaplains, aims to communicate that the defense of religious liberty is intertwined with continuing U.S. aid against Russian advances.
The National Prayer Breakfast, known for its blend of faith and politics since 1953, serves as a forum for religious and influential leaders to advocate for desired policy changes. Ukrainian participants hope their message highlighting the persecution of diverse Christian groups under Russian influence will resonate with key figures in the Trump administration and Congress.
Roman Lozynskyi, a member of the opposition Holos Party and a devotee of the Greek Catholic Church—often targeted in areas controlled by Russia—cited concrete incidents of oppression, including the deportation of religious leaders. The delegation aims to spotlight how Russia's aggressive actions extend beyond human suffering, destroying the fabric of religious communities across occupied territories.
Highlighting the systematic demolition and confiscation of churches, Lozynskyi emphasized, “Russia doesn’t just kill people, doesn’t just destroy our cities—Russia also destroys and bans religious communities” in the regions under its command. The Ukrainian representatives are determined to keep religious freedom at the forefront of their appeal for support in the face of ongoing threats.
