Zelensky on UOC Cross Procession: they brought people and organized nothing
The President criticized the organization of the Great Cross Procession of the UOC.
President Vladimir Zelensky said at the Ukraine 30 forum that the Great Cross Procession of the UOC on July 27, 2021, was poorly organized, and 55,000 believers took part in it.
“Yesterday we had a procession, right? 55,000 people. One can approach it differently. I understand that this is a holiday. But I did not see any communication from the Kyiv community, Kyiv authorities. Everyone is afraid to communicate, they understand that this is a big holiday and they do not want to tell people directly – be careful,” Zelensky complained.
The President said he had watched footage of the Cross Procession and did not see the people wearing masks. He is also convinced that the cross walkers had nowhere to sleep.
“People arrive in an organized manner by buses, they are delivered to the venue,” the Head of State said and added that a large number of people spent the night near the Lavra. “People spent the night in the Lavra and near the Lavra. It’s a large number of elderly people. It's not just a holiday. The holiday should be celebrated so that no one cries after it ... It was necessary to organize night accommodation and ensure that everyone wears masks. The police should have provided the participants with water – people didn’t even have drinking water.”
Earlier, Zelensky confused the prayer standing of the UOC with the rally of the OPZZh (Opposition Platform For Life – Trans. Note).
