Ukraine Bishop Writes Open Letter to American People as Peace Talks Take Place Between President Trump and President Zelenskyy
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Bishop of the Odessa-Simferopol Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, Stanislav Shyrokoradiuk, published an open letter, in Credo, to the American people, in which he questioned the US position on peace negotiations and called on them not to support decisions that would mean concessions to the Russian aggressor at the expense of Ukraine.
Bishop Stanislav recalls his own experience of living in Soviet times, when the Voice of America was for many a source of truthful information and a symbol of support for freedom. According to him, it was America that was associated with human rights, freedom of conscience and speech.
Full Text - Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine's Open Letter to the American People
Odesa, December 17, 2025
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VOICE OF AMERICA?
Dear and great people of America!
Since childhood – back in the sixties – I remember how we listened to the Voice of America from Washington. Despite bans, persecution, despite jammers and fear, my parents listened to these programs and told us the true news they heard from across the ocean. This was the only news that
we truly trusted.
Mom said:
“America is a country where human rights are respected, where there is freedom of religion and freedom of speech, where citizens can freely travel wherever they want.”
And Mom also taught us to pray for America.
Throughout all the years of Soviet rule – when we were persecuted for our faith, for our own opinion, expressed out loud and not in line with Soviet ideology – we always felt America’s support. It was the voice of truth, the voice of freedom, the voice of hope.
Today our attention is focused on the negotiations between the leaders of the states. It is about a just peace for our suffering people. But with great pain in our hearts we
watched how representatives of the American authorities put tremendous pressure on the President of Ukraine, demanding agreement on a “reward” for the Russian aggressor.
For the millions killed, for the destroyed cities and villages, for the deported children, for the countless horrors of war, it is proposed to “give” the Empire of evil and violence another part of Ukrainian land — and at the same time believe in guarantees of further security.
But Ukraine already had such “guarantees”. We know how they ended.
When injustice and injustice are committed against Ukraine, can we believe those who take the side of the aggressor, not the victim?
What happened to the voice of America from Washington?
Has it really changed that much?
And yet, despite the pain and disappointment, our people do not lose faith. We believe in the victory of good over evil. We pray to the Almighty with hope and trust.
God, protect Ukraine!
God, bless America!
Stanislav Shyrokoradiuk
Bishop of Odessa-Simferopol
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VOICE OF AMERICA?
Dear and great people of America!
Since childhood – back in the sixties – I remember how we listened to the Voice of America from Washington. Despite bans, persecution, despite jammers and fear, my parents listened to these programs and told us the true news they heard from across the ocean. This was the only news that
we truly trusted.
Mom said:
“America is a country where human rights are respected, where there is freedom of religion and freedom of speech, where citizens can freely travel wherever they want.”
And Mom also taught us to pray for America.
Throughout all the years of Soviet rule – when we were persecuted for our faith, for our own opinion, expressed out loud and not in line with Soviet ideology – we always felt America’s support. It was the voice of truth, the voice of freedom, the voice of hope.
Today our attention is focused on the negotiations between the leaders of the states. It is about a just peace for our suffering people. But with great pain in our hearts we
watched how representatives of the American authorities put tremendous pressure on the President of Ukraine, demanding agreement on a “reward” for the Russian aggressor.
For the millions killed, for the destroyed cities and villages, for the deported children, for the countless horrors of war, it is proposed to “give” the Empire of evil and violence another part of Ukrainian land — and at the same time believe in guarantees of further security.
But Ukraine already had such “guarantees”. We know how they ended.
When injustice and injustice are committed against Ukraine, can we believe those who take the side of the aggressor, not the victim?
What happened to the voice of America from Washington?
Has it really changed that much?
And yet, despite the pain and disappointment, our people do not lose faith. We believe in the victory of good over evil. We pray to the Almighty with hope and trust.
God, protect Ukraine!
God, bless America!
Stanislav Shyrokoradiuk
Bishop of Odessa-Simferopol
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