Opinion: Remember, Support, Ukraine During the Christian and Jewish Holy Weeks (2025)

On Sunday, April 13, millions of Christians around the world gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday. Seen as one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith, this feast day “commemorates the triumphant arrival of [Jesus] Christ in Jerusalem,” where he was greeted by people with palm branches. To date, the palm branch is recognized as a symbol of peace, and the tradition has been reenacted on Palm Sunday for generations.

Meanwhile, on that same day, millions of Jews celebrated the beginning of Passover, a holiday that celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Like Palm Sunday for Christians, Passover is one of the most important holidays in Judaism.

In both religions, these holidays are when families come together to celebrate their faith. Palm Sunday, Passover, and Holy Week, the period between Palm Sunday and Easter, are when families spend time with their loved ones. It is a time of reflection and spirituality, and it is an opportunity for individuals to become more connected with their faith.

But as millions of members in the Christian and Jewish communities gathered for these important religious holidays, not everyone was able to celebrate. On April 13, the Russian Federation fired missiles on Sumy. According to reports, the Russian strike was the “deadliest attack [on Ukraine] this year.” Dozens of men, women and children were killed during the Russian strike.

The violence did not end there. Several days after the attack on Sumy, the Russians launched a drone strike on Dnipro on Thursday, April 17. Three individuals, one of whom was a child, were killed in the attack. Many more were injured.

Then, on Good Friday, April 18, the Russians struck Kharkiv, where at least two Ukrainians were killed and dozens were injured. And on Saturday, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia were hit aagin.

Finally, in addition to these strikes, the Russians have just announced that the one-month moratorium on strikes on energy infrastructure had ended. The moratorium was never really in place, however, as Russia violated the agreement at least thirty times since its inception last month.

As the Russians launched these attacks, there have been discussions calling for a ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Those pushing for an end to the war have argued that too many lives have been lost, and that the two countries should find peace. Some also claim that the Russian Federation is ready to make a deal with Ukraine.

Russia’s latest actions do not suggest it is interested in finding a solution to the war. Instead, the Russians continue to harm and kill Ukrainians. The latest acts by the Russian Federation suggest it does not have a high regard for civilian life. It also implies that the Russians will continue to wage their unprovoked and unnecessary war without end.

Russian attacks on Ukraine are also met with praise. According to reports, most Russian citizens continue to support their country’s invasion of Ukraine. Even the Russian Orthodox Church supports the ongoing Russian war.

But as the war-favoring Russians conduct and celebrate their invasion of Ukraine, these same individuals are also observing the same Christian and Jewish holidays that millions are acknowledging this week.

Orthodox Christianity is the most dominant religion in Russia. In addition, according to an official Russian Orthodox Church website, religion plays a “prominent role in the public and spiritual life” of Russians. Finally, the Easter holiday in Russia is the most important religious celebration. (Passover is observed in Russia, but not to the extent of Palm Sunday and Easter.)

If religion and faith are so important to the Russians, why, then, do they continue to launch missile strikes and attacks on their fellow Christian and Jewish Ukrainian neighbors?

Conducting violence and harm during a period of reflection and spirituality is far from a peaceful thing to do. Instead, launching attacks during this religious week shows a complete lack of traditions, morals and values.

In other words, the Russian attacks on Ukraine suggest that Russia has no regard for human life, especially during periods of religious celebration.

Therefore, calling for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is premature. Russia’s previous actions suggest that it would not uphold a ceasefire, and its current behavior shows that it is not interested in bringing an end to the fighting. A forced peace process will only result in greater death and destruction in Ukraine.

Given Russia’s ongoing actions and the continued devastation caused by Russia’s war, the international community should adopt a different approach from the ceasefire talks.

During this Lenten and Passover period, Christians and Jews from around the world should continue to unite and support Ukraine. To date, numerous Christian and Jewish organizations, as well as other religious communities, have provided millions of dollars in humanitarian, medical and financial assistance to Ukraine.

These actions suggest they will do whatever it takes to help Ukraine. In addition, their behavior aligns with Christian and Jewish teachings, where both religions emphasize a tradition of assisting those in need. Some who practice Christianity or Judaism have even considered aiding those in need a moral obligation.

Overall, Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine do not suggest that the Russian Federation is a peaceful nation, or one that takes religious holidays seriously. Instead, the strikes are further evidence that the Russians are trying to deliberately cause harm to Ukrainian citizens, and that they are trying to destroy religion, culture, history, traditions and values in Ukraine.

Russia must not be allowed to succeed. The international community should continue to help Ukraine during its time of need, and it must do everything it can to aid Ukraine. Through this continued solidarity and assistance, Ukraine will prevail.

The views expressed are the author’s and not necessarily of Kyiv Post.