President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with Ukrainian Muslim soldiers, leaders of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people and representatives of the Muslim clergy, took part in an iftar, a dinner held during the holy month of Ramadan.

The event was held on the territory of the Crimean Tatar Cultural Center Birlik in Kyiv region.

Together with the Head of State, Ukrainian Muslim servicemen who are currently fighting in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Crimean Tatars, Azerbaijanis, Volga Tatars, and Ukrainians who have converted to Islam shared the iftar. Among them are chaplains, paramedics, volunteers and others.

The Iftar was also attended by Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, his deputies Andriy Sybiga and Roman Mashovets, Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva, Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov and members of the Mejlis, Head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Dzhaparova, Deputy Director General of the Ukrainian Institute Alim Aliyev, singer Jamala, representatives of the public and diplomatic missions.

“Today we are launching this tradition for Ukraine – iftar – at the official level. Together with our soldiers, with our heroes, with the Muslim soldiers present, together with the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, together with representatives of the entire Muslim community of Ukraine. By doing so, we affirm that Ukraine values every person, values every community. Diversity, enshrined in respect, is part of the character of an independent Ukraine. And may this character of ours always be strengthened and guide our people to good deeds. Ukraine is grateful to the Muslims of our country and everyone in the Muslim community of the world who, like us, strives for peace and protection from evil,” the Head of State said.

As the President emphasized, Ukraine will always remember the heroism of those who fight for freedom and security on all Ukrainian lands. He reminded that it was the occupation of Ukrainian Crimea and repressions against Crimean Muslims that started Russia’s attempt to put Ukraine and other European nations in a slave position.

“Unfortunately, evil, humiliation, repression, murder, war reign on the land of Crimea now, under the Russian tricolor… But where the path of evil began, victory awaits us – victory over this evil. The de-occupation of Crimea has no alternative not only for Ukraine but also for the whole world,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to him, while respecting the territorial integrity of all states of the world, Ukraine expects respect for its territorial integrity – from Polissya to the Black and Azov Seas – because every person deserves to live freely.

“This is what we are fighting for, this is what our people are praying for. We will return to Crimea. And then peace will return to the world, because the aggressor will lose. Anything else can only fuel Russia’s thirst for war. Let the aggressor feel that no one is allowed to break the lives of peoples and rob nations, no one is allowed to spread evil and ruin around the world. The victory of our state, of each of us, the victory of Ukraine will mean the victory of life – the life of all of us, all Ukrainians, of absolutely all faiths, of different origins, but with one dream and one faith – faith in goodness,” the President said.

The participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the soldiers who gave their lives defending the Ukrainian state and citizens.

“May the holy Ramadan be bright for you despite the sadness and pain of war! May Iftar give comfort to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, no matter where they are now. The large global Muslim community, every nation, every state can always rely on Ukraine, because we have respect and solidarity,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured.

In his address, the leader of the Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev noted that the most bloody and large-scale battles after World War II are now taking place in our country, and Ukrainian citizens of all faiths, including Muslims, are fighting for freedom, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine and for the liberation of the occupied territories from the aggressor.

“In these circumstances, our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Head of State, finds time and opportunity to organize this Iftar and thus expresses his respect for Islam and all citizens who profess Islam in our country,” Mustafa Dzhemilev said.

He also recalled that it was by the decision of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Muslim holidays became national holidays, for which not only Muslims in Ukraine but also everyone in the Islamic world is grateful.

“I express my gratitude to all countries, including some Islamic states, which in these difficult times for our country have provided and continue to provide assistance in repelling armed aggression with finance, weapons, and by hospitably hosting our citizens who were forced to leave Ukraine to save their children from Russian bombing. We will never forget this,” Mustafa Dzhemilev said.

The leader of the Crimean Tatar people emphasized that this war cannot be over until the last meter of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, is liberated.

“I hope that the Islamic countries will overcome their fear of the aggressor country, which the Ukrainian army has already thoroughly broken its fangs, and take a more active position in Ukraine’s confrontation with the aggressor. The more active Muslims are on the side of goodness and justice, the greater will be the authority of Islam in the world,” he noted.

The President presented state awards to Ukrainian servicemen: he awarded the defenders with the Orders “For Courage” of the third degree and “For Merit” of the third degree, as well as medals “For Military Service to Ukraine” and “To the Defender of the Fatherland”. In return, the servicemen presented the Head of State with chevrons and a book.

The Head of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Crimea Aider Rustemov said an Iftar prayer, which symbolizes the end of the fast.

As part of the event, a photo exhibition was organized about the events in Crimea, which reveals the topics of human rights violations on the occupied peninsula, political persecution of Crimean Tatars and their families, and tells about Muslim soldiers who are currently fighting at the front.