Jesuit Superior in Ukraine: Church are full and people have hope

(Vatican Radio) As shelling continues in eastern Ukraine between the pro-Russia rebels and government troops despite the official ceasefire agreement, how do the people of Ukraine view the conflict and do they believe that a peaceful settlement is still possible?   That was the question, Vatican Radio’s Father Bernd Hagenkord put to Father David Nazar, the Jesuit superior in Ukraine.  

Listen to the interview with Father David Nazar, the Jesuit Superior in Ukraine: 

Father Nazar says the Ukrainian people have faced a long and turbulent history over the past century, including decades of Soviet domination and therefore they are praying a lot and remain optimistic that eventually their nation will prevail in this struggle.

We cannot hate Russians

He also said the Ukrainian people are not surprised by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s present policy towards their nation but at the same time the Catholic Church is urging people not to let hatred towards Russians enter their hearts.

"We cannot hate Russians, we cannot be killing more people, even Russian soldiers..... We should be waiting this out, we should be approaching this by diplomatic means and you will not find a (generalised) spirit of violence in the country."