Countdown to Alaska

Ukraine-Russia peacemakers are working overtime.

Friday marked President Trump’s deadline for Russia to make peace or face more sanctions. Before the day's end, Trump announced a face-to-face with Russian President Putin in Alaska on August 15. The White House said Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s invitation is “being discussed.”

Ahead of Alaska’s summit, Trump said a peace deal may include “some swapping of territories to the betterment of both” Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy stressed he will not cede land and that peace talks without Ukraine won’t achieve anything.

Zelenskyy was on the guest list for Saturday’s meeting of national security advisors in England, where he worked with VP Vance and European leaders on “constructive diplomacy” and “decisions that can work.”

Meanwhile, drone and missile attacks continue, with Russian attacks on Ukraine reaching record levels this summer.

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
In the face of massive global conflicts across the world, it’s easy to feel helpless. Today and this week, there’s something “powerful and effective” you can do: pray for world leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 5:16). 

“Lord and Master, you have given these rulers the power of sovereignty through your own mighty power… Grant unto these leaders health, peace, unity, and stability, so they can administer without failure the government you have given them. For you—Heavenly Master and King of the Ages—you give ordinary people glory, honor, and power over all things in this world. Direct their leadership in a way that is good and well pleasing in your sight.”
Clement of Rome, page 127 in Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church