Kyiv is experiencing a “cold genocide,” according to Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, as Russia continues to target Ukraine’s infrastructure during the fourth year of its full-scale invasion. The Archbishop described a situation in the Ukrainian capital where residents are trapped in freezing buildings with failing sanitation systems, as Russian strikes systematically destroy power stations.
Speaking in an interview, Archbishop Shevchuk called the ongoing war a “tragic anniversary” and a “disgrace for humanity,” noting that the conflict began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea and parts of eastern Donbas, but escalated dramatically with the large-scale invasion in 2022. He stated that the situation has worsened in recent months, with a rising number of civilian casualties.
The Archbishop detailed how his cathedral in Kyiv has been transformed into a “Resilience Centre,” providing shelter, heat, and basic necessities for those unable to remain in their homes. Generators run almost continuously to provide limited electricity, and the centre offers a refuge for people sleeping and living within its walls. He noted that the mayor of Kyiv has urged residents to evacuate, with an estimated half a million having left the city, but many remain due to work or lack of alternatives.
Despite the intensifying attacks, Archbishop Shevchuk observed a growing determination among Ukrainians to resist. He recounted an encounter with a five-year-aged boy attending liturgy who, despite being cold, declared, “If I can beat the cold, Ukraine will win too.” He described scenes of people singing, playing music, and dancing in Resilience Centres and courtyards, even amidst the devastation.
The UN Human Rights Mission in Ukraine reported that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since the invasion began, with a 31% increase in civilian deaths and injuries compared to 2024, and a 70% increase compared to 2023. Archbishop Shevchuk lamented that the increase in civilian suffering coincides with discussions of peace agreements.
The Church in Ukraine is also grappling with the psychological toll of the war on its clergy. A recent survey revealed that most priests and consecrated persons are reluctant to seize time off, a sign, according to psychotherapists, of trauma and a fear of leaving their communities vulnerable. The Church has launched a “healing of wounds” program to support its clergy, training those who have experienced trauma to turn into “wounded healers” for others.
Archbishop Shevchuk acknowledged the significant solidarity shown by the universal Church, particularly from Pope Francis and Pope Leo, as well as from the Polish and Italian Bishops’ Conferences. He noted a decline in aid during 2025, but a resurgence of support following recent attacks, citing a one million zloty donation from the Archdiocese of Krakow after he shared an update on the situation in Kyiv.
On the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, Archbishop Shevchuk called on the international community to stop the aggression, stating that the war is a “disgrace for humanity” and that four years is too long for a war to continue in Europe. He urged politicians, church leaders, and volunteers to work towards peace, and emphasized the need to address the trauma and rebuild Ukraine once the conflict ends.
