Four Years Later
Yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of the start of the Russia-Ukraine War.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion against Ukraine, starting the deadliest conflict in Europe since WWII. Since 2022, rough estimates suggest:
- ~1.8M soldiers from both sides have been killed, wounded, or are missing (Russia 1.2M, Ukraine 600,000);
- Nearly 15,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine, including at least 763 children;
- And roughly 8M Ukrainians have been displaced.
Yesterday, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy praised his country for not raising “a white flag” and defending “the blue and yellow one.” Several E.U. leaders—in Kyiv for the anniversary—vowed to stand “unwaveringly with Ukraine… until peace is restored” and described the war as a “failure for Russia.”
The Kremlin agreed (sort of), saying Russia’s “goals haven’t been fully achieved yet” and the invasion would continue.
PRAY WITH US
How long, O Lord, will this stormy night stretch on? As this conflict drags on, our helplessness grows. But You have not changed. From You alone comes perfect peace.
Bring Your kingdom’s peace here, as it is in heaven. Dismantle the suspicions that separate us. Provide for the war-torn; heal those wounded and grieving. Free the power hungry from hatred, cruelty, and revenge. Empower leaders with wisdom to negotiate creatively. Embolden Your Church to go courageously into the mess, proclaiming the gospel of peace. And in future days, when hard-fought, carefully woven reconciliation unravels again, turn our eyes to Your unending reign of peace. Amen.