(CNN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated the breakfast With Ukrainian Muslim soldiers observing Ramadan on Friday, in what he said would become a “new tradition of respect” annually.

Breakfast is breakfast daily fasting During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Zelensky thanked the Muslim community, addressing the participants in the gala dinner, which included the leaders of the Council, the highest executive representative body of the Crimean Tatars, and representatives of the Muslim clergy.

He said that the month of Ramadan “is respected everywhere Ukraine Even on the front lines, even in combat conditions.

Since the unprovoked invasion of Moscow in February 2021, Ukraine has launched several strikes against Russian positions in Crimea, which was previously annexed by Moscow in 2014 and is currently. under the control of the Kremlin.

Zelensky has repeatedly vowed to liberate Crimea, which he says remains “a part of the Ukrainian people and society.”

He also criticized Russia’s treatment of Muslims in Crimea.

Zelensky said: “Russia’s attempt to enslave Ukraine and other peoples of Europe began precisely from the occupation of the Ukrainian Crimea, precisely from repression in Crimea against the freedom of the Ukrainians and the freedom of the Crimean Tatars, against the Muslims of Crimea.”

“The liberation of Crimea has no alternatives, not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole world.”