Ukrainians ‘cannot contemplate’ land concessions, says bishop

‘The giving away of any territory or land by Ukraine would be tragic given the fact that so many people have lost their lives in defending these territories.’

The leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain and Ireland said territory concessions demanded by Russia are “not something that can even be contemplated by many people in Ukraine”.

Speaking after the meeting between the United States President Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15 August, Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski of the Eparchy of the Holy Family of London said it was “very difficult for us see such a red-carpet greeting” and formal reception for the Russian president as he arrived for the talks in Anchorage.

He told Radio 4’s Sunday programme that “for someone who has been accused of war crimes against Ukraine to be welcomed so warmly” increased Ukrainians’ distress, which was deepened by the proposals reportedly accepted by President Trump – including the concession of the entire Donbas region to Russia.

“The giving away of any territory or land by Ukraine would be tragic given the fact that so many people have lost their lives in defending these territories in the very horrible and unprovoked attack and war of Russia against Ukraine,” Bishop Nowakowski said.

His comments echoed those of Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, who issued a damning statement on 16 August.

“I will be blunt: a genocidal war criminal – who speaks explicitly about his aggressive intentions to re-conquer the countries that freed themselves from the atheistic Soviet yoke – was welcomed on American territory and given red carpet treatment,” Archbishop Gudziak said.

He said the “desultory discussions did not lead to a single concession on the part of the aggressor” and “the cause of freedom, justice and peace was not advanced”, despite “the tremendous buildup, the hype regarding this meeting”.

“The fundamental moral and geopolitical questions are not yet being faced squarely – neither by Russia nor the West,” Gudziak said. “Until they do Ukrainians will be paying the ultimate price.”

He observed: “There is a great illusion that the mighty of this world determine history, decide our fate. They do indeed have an impact, more often than not negative. But the truth is that we are in the Lord’s hands and His truth will prevail.

“And as David stands against Goliath, we’ve seen one miracle after another. And that miracle is the life, resilience and solidarity of the little ones who are willing to risk everything for the truth – the truth of human dignity, the truth of God-given freedom, and the truth that evil will not prevail.”

Marking the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August, Pope Leo said humanity “must not resign ourselves to the prevalence of the logic of conflict and of arms”.

In his Angelus address at Castel Gandolfo, he cited the words of the 1950 apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus, in which Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption: “We may hope that those who meditate upon the glorious example Mary offers us may be more and more convinced of the value of a human life.”

The Pope said the document, written “while the tragic experience of the Second World Word was still painfully present”, remained timely.

“Even today, sadly, we feel powerless before the spread of violence in the world – a violence increasingly deaf and insensitive to any stirring of humanity,” he said. “Yet we must not cease to hope: God is greater than the sin of human beings.”

In remarks to reporters as he arrived at Castel Gandolfo on 13 August, the Pope said the talks in Alaska “must always seek a ceasefire”.

“The violence, the many deaths, must stop,” he said. “Because after all this time, what is the purpose of war? We must always seek dialogue, diplomatic efforts, not violence, not weapons.”

One of the key developments from the talks was President Trump’s acceptance of the Russian policy of pursuing a permanent peace agreement rather than a ceasefire

In a message ahead of the talks, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk asked world leaders to protect Ukraine’s interests and recognise Russia’s responsibility as the “criminal” aggressor. He said Ukraine was serving as “a shield for Europe and the world”.

Archbishop Shevchuk invited Ukrainian Catholics “and all people of good will” to mark the last day of the Dormition Fast – observed by Eastern Churches over the two weeks before the Assumption – as part of the World Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace, an initiative of the International Union of Superiors General.

“We believe that the Lord will hear those who fast, pray and work, and will be with us, helping us to survive and victoriously to end this unjust war,” Shevchuk said.

In Great Britain and Ireland, Bishop Nowakowski said Sunday liturgies across the country included prayers for Ukraine’s leadership as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to meet President Trump on Monday.

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