On January 13, 2015, from the territory of so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, there was carried out shelling of Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint near the settlement Volnovakha, Donetsk region. As a result of shelling, 12 civilians who were in a bus were killed and about twenty wounded. Above-mentioned shelling becomes next bloody crime and it is again evidence of the fascist nature of supporters of so-called “Russian world” (“Ruskii mir”).

Taking into consideration the horror of an undisguised shooting of civilians, the representatives of our state appealed to international community to recognize so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics as terrorist organizations. Also Primate of Kyiv Patriarchate addressed an appropriate statement to world community.

In his statement, Holy Patriarch, particularly, underscored:

“This shameful and bloody terrorist act is one of hundreds or even thousands of terrorist acts which have been committing by pro-Kremlin forces in Donetsk and Luhansk regions since the spring of last year. The killing of civilians by terrorists is a terrible and shameful thing but even more shameful is the purpose of this act: putting at risk the lives of civilians on the territory controlled by terrorists to create “a television picture” for the Kremlin propaganda.

Terrorism has no justification in any form and under any slogans. This is an evil that must not only be morally condemned but punished according to Ukrainian and international law.

Various pro-Kremlin illegal armed groups in so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics have already recognized in Ukraine to be terrorists. The shelling by terrorists the bus with civilians near Volnovakha is a criminal act that puts out a loud demand to world community also to recognize so-called DPR and LPR and armed groups acting on their side, to be terrorist organizations.

I, on behalf of the Kyiv Patriarchate, appeal to United Nations, the OSCE, member states of the European Union, the USA, Canada and the international community to recognize the so-called DPR and LPR and armed groups operating on their side as terrorist organizations and to recognize any countries, organizations or persons who support these terrorists – as the sponsors of terrorism with all legal consequences

I call on the faithful to pray for the souls of the dead, for healing of the wounded, for victory in fight against terrorism and for justice and peace in Ukraine.

May God help all who fights for truth and against terrorist evil!”