Patriarch Kirill urged to prevent unrest in Russia – Kommersant

Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Kirill urged to change their minds “those who, having taken up arms, are ready to direct them against their brethren.” He said he supported President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to prevent unrest in the country. The patriarch said that he was “praying for a peaceful resolution of the current situation.”

“In the face of a common threat, it is necessary to maintain unanimity, overcome grievances and personal ambitions. No matter how difficult it may sometimes be. I support the efforts of the Russian head of state aimed at preventing turmoil in our country,” the appeal, published on site ROC.

According to the patriarch, “military confrontation is a test”, in which one must “carefully preserve the unity of the people, pray to God, support the soldiers and each other with all our might.” He argues that “when our brothers fight and die on the fronts, selflessly fulfilling their duty, when the enemies direct all efforts to destroy Russia, any attempt to sow discord within the country is the greatest crime that has no justification.”

The founder of the private military company (PMC) “Wagner” Yevgeny Prigozhin yesterday, June 23, accused the Ministry of Defense of strikes on the positions of his company and said that 25 thousand people were going to “sort things out.” In the morning he declaredthat the PMC controls military facilities in Rostov-on-Don. FSB excited criminal case and urged PMC fighters to detain Mr. Prigozhin. In Moscow, in the Voronezh and Moscow regions introduced counter-terrorist operation. Mr. Putin acknowledgedthat the situation in Rostov-on-Don is complicated, but he promised to sort it out.

The situation with Prigozhin and other news of the military operation in Ukraine – in online broadcasts “b”.

Laura Keffer