Russians destroy church in Donetsk Oblast on eve of religious holiday – video

Russian forces destroyed a church in the village of Zakitne in Donetsk Oblast on the eve of Trinity Sunday, celebrated this year on 31 May.

Source: 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanshchyna Brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: Russian forces dropped a munition containing an incendiary mixture onto the roof of the church. The brigade explained that the Russians typically use such weapons to strike bunkers and wooden structures.

The brigade's chaplain, Father Yaroslav, who had previously conducted services at the now-destroyed church, said: "I had hoped that the church in the village would stand until the end, and that after liberation by our soldiers I would be able to return there, but the Russians... God will be their judge."

It is the second time this has happened in Zakitne: Soviet authorities destroyed the church during the anti-religious campaign of the 1930s. The current building was designed and built in 2009-2010.

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