Zelensky: Russia killed around 120 clergy members and damaged 800 religious buildings

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about the extensive losses in the religious sector that the country has suffered since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. According to him, Russian armed forces killed approximately 120 clergy members and caused damage to roughly 800 religious buildings.

Deliberate attacks on clergy

The head of state emphasised that the deaths of clergy members and the destruction of churches are not accidental consequences of hostilities. Zelensky noted that Russian troops carried out massive strikes on religious objects using drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

Destruction of historical heritage

The President highlighted that among the damaged structures are those with a history spanning millennia. He reminded that the destruction of churches is not only material damage but also the loss of irreplaceable values. This refers to the destruction of Ukrainian history, art, and architecture, which cannot be restored through ordinary repairs.

"Це жах і божевілля. І справа не в грошах. Ідеться про нашу спадщину, історію, мистецтво та архітектуру. Їх не можна просто відремонтувати", – сказав Зеленський. ("This is horror and madness. And it is not about money. It is about our heritage, history, art, and architecture. They cannot simply be repaired," said Zelensky.)

The head of state provided these figures in an interview for the programme This Week on Capitol Hill, according to the President's social media channels.