Zelensky on reservation for priests: This requires serious argumentation
The President noted that the issue of clergy's reservation on the mobilization could incite a revolt, which Russia could exploit.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, in a conversation with the bishop of the RCC Pavlo Honcharuk, responded to the question of whether to expect the mobilization of priests into the army, as reported by Credo. According to Honcharuk, he called the mobilization of priests a delicate issue. He stated that this issue would now be resolved legislatively, and only after its development could something be commented on.
"If we are talking about reservation for priests (on the mobilization – Ed.), then we must provide lawmakers with a very clearly worded and convincing argumentation as to why this is necessary. According to the President, this is important in order to avoid riots and public outrage, which, in turn, Russia could exploit," the RCC bishop conveyed the President's words.
Also, according to him, Zelensky noted that when it comes to defending the state, every person matters. The President said that he is constantly approached with requests to reserve various citizens. "But then who will defend the country?" he asks.
Summarizing the conversation with the President, the RCC bishop underscored that the President is inclined to act very cautiously because if something is done wrong, the "Pandora's box" could be opened in society. "In other words, it's not about whether to mobilize or not mobilize, but about how to solve the problem correctly so as not to cause harm, which the Russians could exploit," said the representative of the Roman Catholic Church.
As the UOJ reported, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence continued to consider amendments to the draft law on mobilization and did not support providing deferment and reservation for clergymen.
