The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church appealed for the unity of his country as Russia effectively took over the Crimea region.
In a statement on Feburary 28, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halyc also prayed for the people of Crimea.
“The entire family of the UGCC faithful pleads to the compassionate Lord for his protection and assistance to peacefully overcome the deteriorating situation in Crimea, and that the unity of our country might be preserved,” the archbishop said.
Russian president Vladimir Putin won permission from his parliament on March 1 to use military force to protect Russian citizens in Ukraine.
He ignored warnings from President Obama and other Western leaders.
Russian forces have already bloodlessly seized Crimea – an isolated Black Sea peninsula where Moscow has a naval base.
On March 2, United States secretary of state John Kerry condemned Russia’s “incredible act of aggression” in Ukraine and threatened economic sanctions by the United States and allies to isolate Moscow.
But he called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Kerry’s comments came amid a chorus of condemnation from Washington and its allies.
Ukraine has asked for help from NATO, Britain and the United States, as co-signatories with Moscow to a 1994 accord guaranteeing Ukraine’s security.
Ukraine’s security council has ordered the general staff to put all armed forces on highest alert.
Pope Francis asked for asked for prayers for Ukraine on March 2, which he said was living through a delicate situation.
The Pontiff expressed the hope that all parts of the country “will endeavour to overcome misunderstandings and build together the future of the nation.”
The Pope also appealed to the international community “to support any initiative for dialogue and harmony”.
Protests in Kyiv in the Ukraine began in November, when the government announced it would not sign a major economic partnership agreement with the European Union.
Instead, a $15 billion bailout agreement with Russia was favoured.
Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Kyiv, at times occupying government buildings.
Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych was removed from power.
Sources