Svitlana Dukhovych, Fr. Marek Weresa – Vatican
I can say that even at the beginning of the invasion in 2022, the situation was not as dramatic as it is today, especially this winter, particularly in the capital of Ukraine,” emphasized the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Provide everything
The hierarch, asked about the challenges faced by the residents of the Ukrainian capital, indicated that cold is the problem today. This winter is the harshest in ten years, and the Russians are systematically destroying infrastructure crucial for the functioning of cities. In recent weeks, many power plants have been destroyed. This has resulted in the inability to supply electricity, hot water, and serious damage to sanitation systems. Currently, it is estimated that about half a million people have left Kyiv. Many remained due to the inability to escape or due to undertaken tasks and professional duties. The functioning of critical infrastructure remains the main problem, and Russian troops are methodically destroying still-operating power plants.
“Imagine a building inhabited by three thousand people: everything freezes in the apartments, the temperature inside is only a few degrees higher than outside, bathrooms are unusable. Many people are trapped in their homes and don’t know where to go,” said Archbishop Shevchuk. Faced with such challenges, places have been organized where people can warm up, charge devices, and drink hot tea. Some people spent the night there. Schools and kindergartens have also been adapted to accommodate people.
Such a place was also created at the Greek Catholic cathedral. Many people use the assistance there, and even overnight stays. “We must provide them with everything because they cannot return to their homes,” added Archbishop Shevchuk.
In every pain, there is the suffering Christ
“In the face of this tragedy, we are equal. We try to remain united, help each other, and seek a Christian meaning: how to live as Christians in such conditions. Interestingly, I do not observe fatigue leading to despair. On the contrary – with subsequent missile attacks, the will to resist grows. I cannot fully explain this,” said Archbishop Shevchuk, responding to the question about “war fatigue.”
The hierarch added that at the same time, “pain is growing” due to the increasing number of killed and wounded. According to data from the UN human rights mission, the past year 2025 was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion. The number of victims increased by 31 percent compared to 2024 and by 70 percent compared to 2023. “The more there is talk of peace agreements, the more blood flows on Ukrainian soil,” he noted. “The Church must maintain sensitivity to human suffering, reminding that in every pain, the suffering of Christ is present.”
Solidarity that transcends the material dimension
Speaking about the support Ukrainians have experienced in recent weeks, Archbishop Shevchuk pointed to the immense solidarity from the universal Church, and especially from the Holy Father. First, it was organized aid under Pope Francis, today this process continues under the pontificate of Leo XIV.
“A special example was the help from Krakow,” indicated Archbishop Shevchuk, who mentioned the initiative of fundraising in the Archdiocese of Krakow after news of the dramatic situation in Ukraine. The first generators – which reached Kyiv – “saved lives.”
Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk added: “Today, solidarity transcends the material dimension – memory and prayer are important.”
Pray for us
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church concluded the interview for Vatican media with a strong message: “The fourth anniversary of this war is a disgrace to humanity. In four years, the international community has failed to stop the aggressor. This war should not have started and must end. I ask everyone to make a promise to God and to themselves: to build peace. Everyone has their part to play. First, the aggressor must be stopped, then the time will come for healing traumas and rebuilding.”
