On 18 February 2026, at sunset, the holy month of Ramadan began for millions of Muslims around the world, including the Crimean Tatars—one of the Indigenous peoples of Ukraine. The fast will last until sunset on 20 March. After the fasting period, believers will celebrate Eid al-Fitr (Uraza-Bayram), the festival of breaking the fast, which concludes a month of spiritual practice and restraint.

As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan represents one of the five pillars of Islam. This period holds profound spiritual significance, as it is when, according to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran. Its dates shift annually because the Muslim calendar is lunar, making it approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

The essence of Ramadan is not merely physical abstinence from food and water. The fast has a deeper dimension: it is a time for self-discipline, cultivating one’s character, and refraining from arguments, profanity, and insults. Believers devote greater attention to prayer, Quranic study, and support for those in need. After sunset, the restrictions are lifted, but excess is discouraged—Ramadan teaches moderation and gratitude.

For Ukraine, Ramadan is also a part of the lives of its citizens, particularly the Crimean Tatars. For them, Islam is not only a religion but also a component of their historical memory, culture, and identity. For nearly twelve years, since Russia temporarily occupied Crimea, the peninsula’s Muslims have observed the holy month under conditions of religious persecution by Russia.

The Russian occupying authorities systematically restrict freedom of religion: they conduct searches in the homes of believers and interfere in the activities of Muslim communities. Crimean Tatars are accused of “terrorism” and “extremism” solely for their faith, their participation in peaceful gatherings, or their possession of religious literature. Cases are often based on fabricated evidence, with sentences resulting in decades of imprisonment.

Despite this, Ramadan in Crimea endures. It continues—in communal prayers, in evening iftars (breaking of the fast), and in quiet pleas for the release of the illegally imprisoned and the de-occupation of the peninsula. For many families, this month is marked by the pain of separation, as loved ones are held in Russian colonies or are under investigation. Yet, at the same time, Ramadan becomes a source of inner strength and a reminder of a dignity that cannot be taken away by repression.

The holy month of Ramadan is a time of quiet and focus, which in 2026 once again unites Muslims in Ukraine and around the world. It is also a reminder that freedom of religion, respect for culture, and the rights of Indigenous peoples are not abstract values, but a daily struggle.