President Zelensky's Heartwarming Iftar Celebration Honors Muslim Soldiers in a Remarkable Display of Respect

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined Ukrainian Muslim soldiers observing Ramadan on Friday for Iftar, the traditional meal that breaks the daily fast. He expressed his intention to establish this gathering as an annual "new tradition of respect."

Speaking to the attendees at the dinner, which comprised of Mejlis leaders, the most authoritative executive body representing the Crimean Tatars, as well as members of the Muslim clergy, Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the Muslim community. He acknowledged that the month of Ramadan is honored throughout Ukraine, even in challenging circumstances such as the front line and combat conditions.

Ukrainian soldiers at a check point at the border between Ukraine and Russian-occupied Crimea.

Sergiy Gumenyuk/AFP/Getty Images

Preparations for 'de-occupation': Annexed Crimea hasn't been forgotten by Ukraine

After Moscow's invasion in February 2021, Ukraine has initiated numerous attacks on Russian positions in Crimea, which was forcefully annexed by Moscow in 2014 and is presently under Kremlin's control. Zelensky has consistently pledged to free Crimea, asserting that it still belongs to the Ukrainian people and society.

Zelensky also condemned the mistreatment of Muslims in Crimea by Russia. "Russia's aggression towards Ukraine and other European nations started with the occupation of Ukrainian Crimea and the subsequent oppression of Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar individuals, particularly the Crimean Muslims," stated Zelensky.

"The liberation of Crimea has no alternatives not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole world."