Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine continues and barring a last moment miracle, will soon hit the one year mark.
Despite President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the US and his 10-point peace plan, and despite recent comments from the Kremlin that Moscow is ready for peace talks, both sides are still miles apart from a starting point for ending the war. Reuters has summarized the 10-point peace plan HERE. The plan includes requirements for food and energy security, release of prisoners – including persons taken to Russia from Ukraine against their will, withdrawal of all Russian troops, cessation of hostilities and a special tribunal to address alleged war crimes.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin seems unwilling to disengage all troops and consider returning Ukrainian lands taken in 2014, and President Zelensky is unlikely to forgo war crimes tribunals against Russia.
Sadly, roughly 90% of the Ukrainian population remains affected by infrastructure destruction leading to a lack of electrical power, which results in a continual or intermittent lack of water, heating, and power for hospitals, etc.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Herman Halushchenko, recently stated that risk of Russian shelling would likely be higher during certain dates, such as the upcoming new year, warning that New Year’s Eve could see “maximum damage to the energy system.” CNN reported about this HERE.
CNN is also reporting that the Ukrainian city of Kreminna is experiencing heavy fighting, with the Russian military continually renewing its forces. This CNN report may be viewed HERE.
As Christians, apart from US politics, we should continue to support Ukraine and especially by lifting the country and its leaders to the Lord in prayer. Let’s not grow weary, desensitized, overly self-focused (as a nation), or forget that thousands of lives have been impacted, maimed or killed at the hands of a brutal Russian leader.
Let’s not forget that decades were spent and many US lives were killed to end the former Soviet Union’s threats to the US and the world following WWII. The entire security of Europe depends on the actions taken right now in Ukraine. Actions taken – or not taken – regarding Ukraine and Russia are being closely watched by US foes such as China and North Korea. We can’t afford to allow another “Afghanistan” to happen on our watch. The matter in Ukraine is not a small matter geopolitically or spiritually.
Let’s pray for the blessing of God’s strength, wisdom, protection from the evil one, and a double portion of faith in Christ for those in Ukraine, Russia and elsewhere. This is so critical because the only Answer in this situation is Jesus!
Trusting in the Lord is more than a nice sounding phrase; it should be our very purpose and motivation in life. Let’s pray for, and in agreement with, the suffering and displaced brothers and sisters of Ukraine, lifting up the conflicted and hurting in Russia as well, praying that their faith in Christ would not be shaken regardless of the circumstances – trusting in the Lord with all of their hearts! In fact, let’s pray the same thing for ourselves, in Jesus’ name!
Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV)
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, [a]nd whose hope is the Lord.”
Psalm 18:30 (NKJV)
“As for God, His way is perfect; (t]he word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”
Psalm 37:40 (NKJV)
“And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, [a]nd save them, [b]ecause they trust in Him.”