Two people were killed in a Russian rocket strike in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, while at least six were injured in a drone attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv. The attacks occurred as Orthodox Christians in both countries celebrated Easter. Ukrainian officials reported that 24 Iranian-style drones were fired at their territory, with 23 being shot down. The attacks resulted in damage to homes and outbuildings, with six people injured including a young girl. Both Russian and Ukrainian leaders have used religion and the church to rally support for the war effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a video message from Kyiv’s Saint Sophia Cathedral, wearing a traditional Ukrainian vyshyvanka shirt instead of his usual military attire. He expressed belief that God is on the side of Ukraine in the conflict and invoked a message of hope and victory over death. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Easter message did not explicitly mention the ongoing war in Ukraine, which Russia refers to as a “special military operation.” Putin instead thanked Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, for support during the difficult period.
The Russian rocket strike in Pokrovsk, located northwest of Donetsk city, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and damage to a house. The drone attacks in Kharkiv caused further destruction, with a girl born in 2015 among those injured. The use of drones and rockets in populated areas has raised concerns about civilian casualties and further escalation of violence in the region. Both sides have engaged in propaganda efforts, using religious symbolism and rhetoric to bolster support for their respective positions.
In Ukraine, the government has highlighted the role of religion in the conflict, with an exhibition at Kyiv’s Saint Sophia Cathedral showcasing religious icons painted on ammunition boxes. President Zelensky’s message from the cathedral invoked a sense of divine protection and assurance of victory in the face of adversity. In Russia, the close relationship between the government and the Russian Orthodox Church has been evident, with Putin expressing gratitude to Patriarch Kirill for support and cooperation during the ongoing crisis.
The war in Ukraine has deepened divisions and fueled nationalist sentiment on both sides, with religious institutions playing a significant role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the conflict. The use of drones and rockets in civilian areas has raised human rights concerns, with calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution to the conflict gaining traction internationally. Despite the destructive impact of the ongoing war, leaders in both Russia and Ukraine continue to use religious language and symbolism to justify their actions and rally their respective populations behind the war effort. The conflict in Ukraine remains a complex and multifaceted crisis with far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.
