During a meeting of the UN Security Council, Russia called on the Syrian government to intensify efforts to protect Orthodox Christian religious sites and bolster its fight against terrorism. Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized that the terrorist threat in Syria remains high, urging increased measures to safeguard these vital cultural and spiritual landmarks, reports TASS.

The plea came in the wake of a tragic attack on June 22, 2025, when a suicide bomber targeted the Prophet Elijah Church in eastern Damascus. The bombing, claimed by the extremist group Islamic State (ISIS), killed more than 20 people and wounded dozens more. Syrian authorities condemned the attack, which also left significant damage to the church and its surroundings.

Polyansky specifically referenced the deadly bombing and urged Syria to take stronger action against the terrorist threat. "This attack, carried out by ISIS, has once again shown the severity of the terrorist danger that continues to loom over the country," Polyansky said. He called for an international effort to support Syria in combating terrorism and securing its religious heritage sites.

Patriarch John X of Antioch, who condemned the attack as "butchery" and "slaughter," expressed outrage over the assault, calling it an attempt to instill fear among Syria's Christian population and destabilize the nation. Alongside bishops and clergy, the Patriarch held memorial services for the victims, praying for the souls of those who perished.

Patriarch John also criticized the Syrian government's response to the attack, accusing it of failing to take adequate steps to ensure the safety of its citizens, particularly the Christian community. Despite the challenges, he reiterated that Christians in Syria remain resilient and committed to their homeland, continuing to practice their faith in the face of adversity.

The Russian call to action in the Security Council highlighted the increasing urgency of securing religious sites and protecting believers in Syria. Polyansky emphasized the importance of coordinated international efforts to address the growing terrorist threat and ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future. Russia’s representative stressed the need for concrete steps from the Syrian authorities to restore stability and protect religious minorities in the region.