The Russian Patriarch Kirill has called for the protection of civilians in the face of the Russian attack on Ukraine. All sides should do everything in their power to avoid civilian casualties, Das said Head of the Russian Orthodox Church according to a statement. “It is with heartfelt pain that I perceive the suffering of the people caused by the events.” However, the 75-year-old did not call for the violence to stop.
Kirill urged all believers to pray for peace. “The Russian and Ukrainian people have a common, centuries-old history. I believe that this God-given community will help to overcome the divisions and contradictions that have led to the current conflict.” Kirill maintains close contact with Putin. Critics accuse the Orthodox Church of being too close to the Russian state.