WCC News: WCC calls for Russia to immediately end illegal, immoral invasion of Ukraine

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay called for an immediate end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine after a massive wave of missiles and drones killed at least 10 people and injured more than 30.  Cathedral in the monastery and cave complex Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Dormition Cathedral), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ukraine's most significant religious and cultural sites. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 15 June 2026 The wave of attacks also caused severe damage to the main cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Dormition Cathedral), a UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries of prayer, monastic witness, and the relics of saints dwell together. “Moreover, Russian aerial weapons reportedly struck high-rise residential buildings in nearly every district of the capital,” said Pillay.  “The WCC calls upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to uphold the dignity of every human life, to respect and protect civilians, places of worship and cultural heritage, and to renew efforts toward a just and sustainable peace.” Pillay also underscored the urgent need for dialogue, reconciliation, and an end to the cycle of violence.  “Russia must stop these attacks immediately, and end its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine now,” he said. “We call for full legal accountability for the perpetrators of all such criminal attacks on civilians, humanitarians, and civilian infrastructure.” WCC Statement on Russia’s campaign of armed aggression against Ukraine Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: “Light always triumphs over darkness” (WCC news release, 11 June 2026) WCC renews call for an end to unconscionable violence of Russia’s escalating attacks on civilians in Ukraine (WCC news release, 18 May 2026) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland