Written by Isolde Doubell
More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the heavy toll of the war on the country keeps adding up. Recently, Russian forces have broadened their attacks to include daytime bombing, damaging homes, hospitals and vital infrastructure. Ukraine has also intensified its attacks on Russian targets, including oil refineries and retail outlets.
Russia’s recent parliamentary election, the first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, saw President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party win with a commanding majority. Opposition parties and independent voices were tightly controlled, with no room to challenge the government.
At the United Nations General Assembly, held from 8–28 September in the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump discussed efforts to end the war, including a possible ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure. The prospect of peace, however, remains uncertain.
For Ukrainian Christians, the daily reality of war affects their families, churches and ability to serve their communities. A military chaplain who is a friend of INcontext shares his perspective on the challenges facing Ukrainian believers and how the global Church can support them.
How do Ukrainians feel about Ukraine’s increasingly aggressive attacks on Russia?
Most people are very supportive and even encouraged by these attacks. Russia is reaping what it has sown. However, even these attacks account for only a small percentage of Russia’s actions against Ukraine. Ukraine primarily targets military facilities, oil refineries and warehouses belonging to major postal companies. If residential areas are affected, it is exceptional.
At the same time, Russia regularly launches attacks, day and night, using drones, various kinds of missiles and guided aerial bombs against numerous Ukrainian towns and villages. Residential areas are repeatedly hit, people are killed, and food and medical warehouses, large shopping centres, medical and educational institutions, and vital infrastructure supporting water, electricity and transport are targeted.
As harsh as it may sound, especially in a Christian context, the worse things get for Moscow and Russia as a whole, the more likely it is that these factors will push Russia to end the war. As we say here, if Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine; but if Russia stops fighting, the war will end.
How does your church operate in these circumstances?
Our church has a new facility. With our own resources and help from some donors, we have renovated and equipped the building, although there are still some needs. We now hold Sunday worship services, and some new people from our neighbourhood have started attending.
We also use the building to distribute food parcels (sometimes up to 200) to needy people in the area. Our youth group is still small, but now they have a place to meet. My wife and I are planning to start a prayer group for the mothers, wives and grandmothers of soldiers. They are not believers, but they have expressed a willingness to attend these meetings. I trust God that this can become the beginning of ministry to soldiers’ families and, eventually, to the soldiers themselves.
What do Ukrainian Christians need from the global Church?
Christians around the world are trying to reconcile Ukrainians and Russians. We hear that, as Ukrainians, we should forgive Russians and seek reconciliation. That may all come much later, when the war is over. People living in a comfort zone far from the war should be careful about giving advice.
Ukraine and Ukrainian believers have been changed. We have had to study certain portions of Scripture, especially those relating to war, much more deeply. There was no need to do that when we lived in peace. What we need is for people to understand us and walk alongside us, encouraging and supporting us.
As for how the global Church can help, it would mean a great deal if people communicated with us regularly to find out how to pray. For instance, if you are praying for reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine, it is like praying for the ocean to dry up. Under the current circumstances, I think it is simply impossible. Instead, pray for God’s protection from the weapons being aimed at us. Pray that we will feel His presence and have the strength to continue serving a wounded and bleeding Ukraine.
Practical help is also very important. Financial and material support would help us to keep living and serving. Our own resources are exhausted, and very often, most of those attending our church are older people.
I also understand that travelling to Ukraine personally can be dangerous. However, those who dare to come would gain a much deeper understanding of our situation, and their presence would be a great encouragement to us.
The pressure of everyday life
Another pastor describes the current situation as the hardest phase of the war, with everything aimed at wearing Ukrainians down. “Prices are rising, fuel is very expensive and everything else is becoming more costly. Please pray that we will be able to get through this period, overcome everything, stand firm and fulfil our purpose. Also, pray that people’s hearts will be opened to the Gospel.”
Despite the immense pressure, Ukrainian churches continue to worship, support those in need and seek opportunities to share the Gospel. Their message to Christians around the world is clear: they need people who will listen, pray specifically, offer practical help and continue walking alongside them.
Please pray for the people of Ukraine
- Pray for the provision of food, water, electricity, heating and other necessities as winter approaches. Ask God for His protection and to provide for those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected by the war.
- Pray for Ukrainian believers who are weary and hard-pressed on every side. May they experience God’s love, and may the Holy Spirit renew their strength, encourage them and help them to stand firm in their faith as they continue serving their communities.
- Pray for the soldiers and their families, many of whom have endured tremendous suffering. Ask God to comfort those who are grieving, protect those serving in the military, and open hearts to the Gospel.
