CNN
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared Iftar with Ukrainian Muslim soldiers observing Ramadan on Friday, in what he said would be an annual “new tradition of respect”.
Iftar is the meal that breaks the daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking to participants at the dinner that included leaders of the Mejlis, the highest body representing the Crimean Tatars, and representatives of the Muslim clergy, Zelensky thanked the Muslim community.
He said that the month of Ramadan was “respected everywhere in Ukraine – even at the front line, even in combat situations.”
Since Moscow’s counteroffensive in February 2021, Ukraine has launched several strikes against Russia’s position in Crimea, which was previously annexed by Moscow in 2014 and which the -currently under Kremlin control.
Zelensky has repeatedly vowed to liberate Crimea, which he says remains “part of the people and society of Ukraine.”
He also criticized Russia’s treatment of Muslims in Crimea.
“Russia’s attempt to capture Ukraine and other peoples in Europe began directly from the occupation of the Ukrainian Crimea, directly from repression in the Crimea against the freedom of the Tatars of Ukraine and Crimea, against Crimean Muslims,” Zelensky said.
“The liberation of Crimea has no other options not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole world.”
