In Pics | Ukrainian Muslims pray for peace as they observe Ramadan

Ukrainian Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan while helping defend their nation against Russian invading forces. Ramadan is the Arabic name for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims and is marked by a period of fasting, and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Muslims are observing Ramadan in war-ridden Ukraine for the second year, and most people praying at a mosque near the eastern front line this week were soldiers in camouflage fatigues. Credit: AFP Photo

The mosque has numerous boarded-up broken windows and walls pitted by shrapnel. A rocket had exploded nearby two days earlier. Credit: AFP Photo

Among the worshippers was Said Ismagilov, formerly one of Ukraine's Muslim spiritual leaders. When the war began, he quit and now works as an ambulance driver with volunteer paramedics, evacuating wounded soldiers from the front line. Credit: AFP Photo

Ambulance driver Said Ismagilov, formerly one of Ukraine's Muslim spiritual leaders, checks equipment in his car near the eastern front line in Ukraine. Credit: AFP Photo

Worshippers listen to the Friday prayers sermon at a mosque near the eastern front line, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Credit: AFP Photo