On March 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended an iftar, a traditional Muslim dinner held during the holy month of Ramadan. The event brought together Ukrainian military personnel who practice Islam, leaders of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, members of the Muslim community, clergy, and representatives from foreign diplomatic missions.
During the gathering, President Zelensky honored military personnel with various awards, including the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, and medals for military service. He emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing conflict, stating, “Ukraine has endured this war and is capable of defending itself because millions of people have not wavered, have not betrayed Ukraine, and have not forsaken human dignity.”
Zelensky noted that this year marks the thirteenth Ramadan that the Ukrainian Muslim community and the Crimean Tatar people have faced under difficult circumstances due to Russian aggression. He expressed a desire for peace in the coming year, stating, “We wish for next year’s Ramadan to be celebrated in peace. We extend this wish to all nations currently in danger or at war.”
Mustafa Jemilev, a leader of the Crimean Tatar people, highlighted the ongoing connections between the indigenous Crimean population and their counterparts in the occupied peninsula. He reported that, according to various sources, over 90 percent of the Crimean Tatar community remains loyal to Ukraine despite intense Russian propaganda and repressive measures. Jemilev remarked, “They pray for the successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and continue to hold onto their identity.”
Ramadan, which began on February 17 and will conclude on March 19 this year, involves a strict daytime fast where believers abstain from food, water, and harmful habits from dawn until sunset. It is a period of prayer and spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended an iftar to honor Muslim military personnel and the Crimean Tatar community amid ongoing conflict. He emphasized resilience and the hope for peace during Ramadan.