NSDC calls religious processions and peace forums anti-Ukrainian activity

Aleksey Danilov. Photo: tsn.ua

The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine called the processions "an effective instrument of the Russian hybrid war" and warned the organizers of the peace forums about criminal liability. The corresponding statement by the NSDC Secretary Aleksey Danilov was published on Friday, September 18, 2020.

“One of the effective tools of the Russian hybrid war against Ukraine is the use of religious structures in the format of holding ‘conferences’, ‘round tables’, ‘international forums’, ‘cross processions’,” Danilov said commenting on the main risks and threats associated with the process of preparing and holding the upcoming elections to local councils. "The purpose of such events is to promote the ideology of the so-called ‘Russian world’, to justify Russian aggression against Ukraine, to promote anti-Ukrainian theses as part of Russian propaganda."

According to him, it was “such a long-term activity of the special services of the Russian Federation” that led to the occupation of Crimea and part of the territories of Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

“I would like to remind the organizers of various ‘peace forums’ about the criminal responsibility for anti-state activities and note that the NSDC Office of Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation in the state on the eve of the elections, while the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies will react to any attempts to undermine the internal political situation,” he stressed.

Let us remind you that on August 17 the Holy Synod of the UOC decided to hold the peacemaking forum "People of Peace". The organizing committee of the forum, which will be held on September 21 in the Sviatogorsk Lavra, includes well-known Ukrainians who support the peacemaking initiatives of the Church. The purpose of the forum is to develop an action plan to end the conflict and restore peaceful life in eastern Ukraine.

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