Ukraine is described not merely as a territory by Shevchuk, but rather as a collective of its people.
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the spiritual leader of Ukraine's Greek Catholic Church, delivered a powerful address on Sunday, marking the 183rd week since the start of the Russian invasion.
Shevchuk emphasized that Ukraine is more than just contested territory in the war; it embodies a national unity and a vision for a clearly European future beyond territorial disputes. He views the war as a severe trial that has united Ukrainian people across divisions.
The Major Archbishop underscored the importance of healing all suffering groups, regardless of religion or ethnicity, reflecting a universal human rights concern. He voiced hope in international efforts to end the war, noting unprecedented global pressure on Russia and the integration of Ukraine into Europe's security and cultural space.
Shevchuk warned against framing Ukraine's struggle purely in territorial terms or falling into neo-colonial ideological frameworks. He implied that the conflict and its resolution must consider the dignity and rights of people, cultural identity, and Ukraine’s sovereignty as part of a larger European community rather than a mere land dispute.
In his address, Shevchuk reiterated that Ukraine continues to stand and fight. He urged the international community to remember the people in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Shevchuk acknowledged the human cost and sustained suffering of Ukrainian cities under attack while expressing gratitude for ongoing prayers, international solidarity, and the resilience of Ukrainian defenders and civilians. His stance clearly integrates concerns for human rights, national identity, and a post-colonial vision beyond immediate military and territorial dimensions.
The Major Archbishop thanked states that have put pressure on Russia and support Ukraine, although he did not specify which specific states he was referring to. He also expressed hope that the upcoming summit between the presidents of the USA and Russia on August 15 in Alaska could mark the beginning of serious efforts to end the war. However, he did not express any specific hopes or expectations about its potential impact on the war.
Shevchuk's call for the international community to take action was not limited to states that have already been putting pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine. He emphasized the need for human rights to be included in the negotiations regarding Ukraine, without specifying which specific human rights issues he was referring to.
The war in Ukraine continues despite diplomatic efforts, as evidenced by recent attacks in Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv. These attacks were not mentioned in Shevchuk's address.
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