Russia must stop attacks on religious sites and places of worship in Ukraine, representatives of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe have urged.
In a joint statement, the organisations said they mourned the victims of war and lamented the millions forced to leave their homes behind due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“As organisations committed to promote peaceful dialogue, we call on Russia to stop the destruction of religious sites and places of worship.
“ Stop with the indiscriminate killing of tens of thousands of civilians which constitute crimes against humanity.
“We are appalled at the destruction of religious sites and places of worship, like churches, synagogues and mosques.
“They are vital to the country’s diverse religious communities, more than ever in times of crisis,” the statement said.
Kiev officials estimate about 60 churches and places of worship have been destroyed or damaged in the conflict.
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