Ukraine’s Muslims find strength in unity amid war
Ukraine’s Muslim and Christian communities have grown closer during the war with Russia, with religious leaders increasingly working together in support of peace and justice, according to Mufti Murat Suleimanov.
In an interview with Anadolu, Suleimanov, head of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine, said Muslim and Christian leaders had already maintained regular dialogue before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The war, however, had strengthened those ties.
“Our strength lies in our unity,” Suleimanov said, stressing the importance of religious leaders standing together in support of justice.
Ukraine is estimated to have between 500,000 and 2 million Muslims. The country’s Muslim population includes a large indigenous community, with Crimean Tatars forming its largest Muslim group.
Suleimanov said some had expected Ukraine’s Muslims to remain neutral because the war is often portrayed as a conflict between two predominantly Christian countries.
Instead, he said, the Muslim community had openly supported Ukraine.
He also accused Russia of using propaganda to create divisions between Muslims and Christians by spreading false narratives about religious tensions.
The mufti said the unity between the communities was demonstrated when bishops, priests, imams and Muslim leaders appeared together to speak in support of justice.
Mosques damaged by attacks
The war has severely disrupted religious life for Muslims across Ukraine.
Suleimanov said missile strikes had damaged civilian infrastructure and mosques in cities including Bakhmut, Sievierodonetsk and Kostiantynivka. Some Muslims were forced to relocate to areas where they could continue practicing their faith within established communities.
Relocation has allowed families to maintain access to communal prayers, funerals and other religious services, he said.
Despite the dangers, many Muslims have chosen to remain in Ukraine because they see themselves as an integral part of Ukrainian society.
“Those who stayed understand that their role is very important,” Suleimanov said.
He also called for a negotiated end to the war, saying constant missile attacks and shelling had made insecurity part of everyday life.
“What all of us want is for this war to end and for peace to prevail,” he said.
Mufti calls for justice in Gaza
Suleimanov said the principles of unity and justice demonstrated by Ukraine’s religious communities should also apply to conflicts elsewhere.
“As the mufti of Ukraine and as a Muslim, I also have a responsibility to speak about the genocide in Palestine, in Gaza,” he said.
He urged the international community to reject selective approaches to justice and continue diplomatic efforts to end conflicts.
Suleimanov welcomed support from Muslim-majority countries but said Ukraine’s Muslim community needed greater international attention.
“We hear words of support, but we would like people to speak more about the Muslims of Ukraine,” he said.
Türkiye ties seen as important
The mufti also expressed hope for stronger cooperation with Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, known as Diyanet.
He said Diyanet had already provided assistance to Muslims in Ukraine and expressed confidence that cooperation could expand in the future.
“I sincerely hope that in the future our cooperation will become broader, stronger and built on even greater mutual trust,” he said.
