Budanov lights first candle of Jewish Hanukkah
Budanov lit the Hanukkah candle. Photo: Asman's Facebook
On December 15, 2025, the head of the Defence Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, together with the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Reuven Asman, took part in a Jewish ceremony of lighting a Hanukkah candle. This was reported by Rabbi Asman on his Facebook page.
“I had the honor of lighting the first Hanukkah candle together with the Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Lieutenant General, Hero of Ukraine – Kyrylo Oleksiiovych Budanov! During the lighting of the Hanukkiah, we offered a special prayer for all the Defenders of Ukraine, asking the Almighty to protect them and to grant a true and just Peace!” the rabbi wrote.
He did not specify where exactly the ceremony took place.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Budanov had celebrated Purim together with members of the Jewish community.
Read also
In Radivilov, believers of the UOC held a traditional procession for peace
A prayer procession was accompanied by icons with relics of great Orthodox saints.
In Baltimore, hundreds of people gathered at a satanic event
More than 23,000 people have signed a petition against holding a satanic gathering in Baltimore.
In Germany, a Bishop of Constantinople Prayed with Catholics and Lutherans
The ecumenical concelebration concluded with the distribution of safety carabiners to all those present as a symbol of support and trust.
Foreign Christians Repented in the Knesset for Weak Assistance to Israel
Foreign Christians' repentance in the Israeli parliament has been criticized on social media.
HUR: Opinion polls prove religious rights are not violated in Ukraine
A representative of the intelligence service, Andrii Yusov, stated that society does not confirm any facts of religious persecution in the country.
Mass production of kosher bread launched in Bukovyna
Representatives of the Jewish community called the mass production of kosher bread at the regional level one of the few examples in Ukraine.