After months of military buildups, warnings of violence and diplomatic efforts for peace from nations worldwide, Russia began to invade Ukraine early Thursday morning, attacking several major cities, including its capital, Kyiv, which has already resulted in dozens of deaths.
Hours before the attacks began, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine made a televised plea to Russia, telling them wanted to speak to them directly after Putin had ignored his phone call.
“Listen to the voice of reason,” Mr. Zelensky said. “The Ukrainian people want peace.”
Putin claimed the purpose of the attack is to defend Russian-speakers in Ukraine, particularly those in the two self-declared republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, which left Ukrainian control in 2014.
But Ukraine is denying the Russians claim, instead arguing that Russia wants to absorb Ukraine and prevent the nation from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an intergovernmental military alliance. Putin has said that Ukraine joining NATO would be a “hostile act” as he views Ukraine and Russia as inseparable, “one people, a single whole.” (Before the end of the Cold War in 1991, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union.)
The world is still recovering from the shock of a global power attacking a free nation in this way. Many Christian leaders have spoken out against President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s army, condemning the attack and praying for peace.
Vladimir Putin is a murderer and a tyrant. He is an abuser of evangelical Christians, other religious minorities, and even his own country’s orphans. And now he attacks a neighbor, a democracy, a friend of the USA.
God save Ukraine 🇺🇦
— Russell Moore (@drmoore) February 24, 2022
Don’t think that your prayers are not heard by God or felt by people. I can tell you that people on the ground in Ukraine “feel” our prayers and support. Don’t withhold prayer due to despair. It matters. It makes a difference. Stay locked in. Be attentive. #PrayForUkraine
— Christine Caine (@ChristineCaine) February 24, 2022
Do not imagine for a moment prayer doesn’t matter. Pray for Ukraine. Pray for divine intervention. Miraculous protection. Pray for the presence of Jesus to permeate households & hiding places & be a shield & comfort to them. Pray a psalm—maybe 27 or 31—as intercession.Let’s pray.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) February 24, 2022
There are already organizations on the ground who are in Ukraine and need help and support — through prayers, finances and man-power — to help Ukrainians affected by Russia’s attacks. Ukrainians have already put together a list of resources on how foreigners can help. You can see their full list here.
Some organizations already that need assistance include:
Mission Eurasia, which provides education and outreach materials for young Ukrainian leaders.
United Help Ukraine, which gathers and distributes medical supplies and humanitarian aid to those injured in the war in Ukraine.
Voices of Children, which gives psychological and psychosocial support to children who suffered as a result of war operations.
Ukraine Christian Ministries, which provides medical and material needs to Ukrainians.
