Zelensky reveals problems Ukrainian Muslims will face during Ramadan

In a speech at a forum in the Qatari capital Doha, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky touched upon the upcoming month of Ramadan, Report informs, citing Turkish media.

Zelensky noted that mosques were hit by Russian bombing: “Look at our cities, especially the city of Mariupol, which is completely destroyed. Ukraine is a country of different nationalities and religions. Over a million Muslims live here. There were 4,000 Muslims in Mariupol alone. For already three weeks, the mosques of the city have been sheltering about 80 people, including children, women and the elderly."

He noted that all roads are blocked, and the Russian army does not allow humanitarian aid to enter the area: "They are bombing day and night, and 90 percent of the city is destroyed. 1,000 people died here, but Russia did not face any punishment for this. For 31 days of the Russian occupation 59 places of worship were destroyed, including mosques and churches, 200 schools and dozens of hospitals. Another 10 million Ukrainians became refugees, and more than 3.5 million were forced to leave the country. Most of them are women and children."

The Ukrainian leader stressed that the month of Ramadan begins in the coming days: “We do not need to explain to anyone the importance and meaning of this month. The whole world knows and respects this. Ukrainian Muslims will have to defend their country and their freedom with weapons in their hands during Ramadan. We must maintain international order not only for Ukraine, but for everyone. Starting with Afghanistan, we must seek peace in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Somalia. Long live Ukraine."