Prime Minister meets with members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations

During a meeting with representatives of religious organisations, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasised the importance of religious freedom and cooperation between the state and Ukrainian churches.

The Prime Minister thanked churches, military chaplains, and volunteers from religious organisations who, since the first days of the invasion, have been assisting Ukrainians, supporting the army, and strengthening both the frontlines and the home front.

“Special thanks go to military chaplains for their tireless work with our defenders. Volunteers from religious organisations are carrying out an enormous amount of work, providing tangible and effective assistance in all communities, especially in frontline areas where needs are extremely high,” Denys Shmyhal stressed.

He noted that the state is ready and already taking steps to support churches and continues to implement initiatives to assist religious organisations.

In particular, in December 2024, the Government introduced the possibility of reserving clergy from mobilisation, and while significant progress has been made, some technical issues remain.

“I have tasked the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience with accelerating the relevant procedures,” the Prime Minister stated.

Separately, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for enhanced spiritual support for Defence Forces personnel.

“There is a demand for churches and religious organisations to fill military chaplain positions much faster,” the Head of Government emphasised.

Work is also ongoing on another initiative – the establishment of a medical chaplaincy institute. Denys Shmyhal noted that the relevant draft regulatory act was undergoing interagency coordination.

“We face many shared challenges and a vast amount of joint work ahead. I am confident that together we will demonstrate effective unity of efforts for Ukraine’s victory, the reconstruction of the state, and a happy future for generations to come,” the Prime Minister concluded.