Russia Refuses to Honor Orthodox Easter with a Truce

Sunday marks two months since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine. Sunday is also the Orthodox Easter. In honor of Christ and the peace he brought, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested for a sought a truce  However, the request has been rejected by Russia as they continue to their invasiom. 

"Unfortunately, Russia rejected the proposal to establish an Easter truce," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "This shows very well how the leaders of this state actually treat the Christian faith, one of the most joyful and important holidays. But we keep our hope. Hope for peace, hope that life will overcome death."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for a four-day truce during Orthodox Holy Week to allow civilian evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian aid in hard-hit areas of Ukraine.

"I am calling for an Orthodox Holy Week humanitarian pause to the war in Ukraine. I urge all parties - and all champions of peace around the world - to join my Easter appeal," Guterres said in a tweet.

The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, whose backing for Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine has dismayed many fellow Christians, said on Saturday he hoped it would end quickly but again did not condemn it. 

Tags : Ukraine Russia Ukraine War Volodymyr Zelenskyy Vladimir Putin Russia