Ukrainian intelligence сhief Budanov opens first military mosque
The inaugural prayer was attended by a “priest” of the OCU, Kostiantyn Kholodov.
At the initiative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (DIU), the military mosque As-Salam was opened in Ukraine, according to the DIU’s official Telegram channel. The exact location of the mosque has not been disclosed.
The opening ceremony began with a recitation of the Quran and a group prayer, attended by Kostiantyn Kholodov, a “priest” of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).
The event was opened by the head of HUR, Kyrylo Budanov, who presented the mosque with collections of prayers and remembrances of Allah for Muslim soldiers, compiled by the DIU's Military Chaplaincy Service.
“The opening of this mosque is a very important example for all of Ukraine and a great gift for all Muslims serving the country,” said Husameddin Al-Khalawani, head of the Center for International Relations Peace and Security.
It will be recalled that Budanov has previously celebrated Purim with the Jewish community and lit the Hanukkah menorah at a synagogue in Kyiv. He also visited Metropolitan Epifaniy, who gifted him an icon depicting Budanov alongside Epifaniy himself.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that mobile mosques had been introduced in the Russian Federation for use in the “special military operation”.
