Hierarch of Constantinople Patriarchate: We must support Zelensky

Zelensky and Metropolitan Emmanuel at the Presidential Office. Photo: Official Website of the President’s Office

In an interview with the French outlet Le Point, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt to sideline Zelensky from peace negotiations is unfair.

The hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate noted that he had met with Zelensky several times and was “convinced that he embodies the voice of his people, that he is fighting for his homeland and resisting in the name of freedom – for the freedom of his fellow citizens.”

Moreover, Metropolitan Emmanuel believes that Zelensky is fighting “for our freedom as well” without specifying whom he meant by “our”. “We must support him,” the bishop affirmed.

Commenting on the controversial meeting in the White House Oval Office, Metropolitan Emmanuel said that Donald Trump’s behavior “caused concern among those on various continents who consider American democracy a model to follow.”

At the same time, Zelensky, according to him, “showed wisdom by choosing to rise above emotions and immediately resume dialogue.”

“It is clear that in this situation, the European Union is called to play a decisive role,” the hierarch underscored in the context of peace negotiations on the situation in Ukraine.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Bartholomew, following the controversial meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents at the White House, expressed his support for Zelensky. Afterward, Zelensky thanked the Patriarch of Constantinople for his support.

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