It’s been nearly eight months since Russian forces attacked Ukraine. Sadly, and despite a valiant and often successful effort by Ukrainian forces to defend Ukraine and its people, the battle continues to this day. There have been many Russian attacks upon the civilian population and non-military housing, hospitals and infrastructure, in addition to documented war crimes that are being investigated internationally.
CBS News is reporting another wave of “suicide drones” early this morning in Ukraine. It is widely believed that the drones are being provided to Russia by Iran, including the necessary training to operate the drones. See the CBS report HERE.
Ukraine has its own official and daily-updated website regarding the war. The site is not designed simply to be shocking, but war is shocking, so be prepared for some of the images. The website provides hour-by-hour and day-by-day reports of war activities directly by Ukraine, as opposed to information that’s been filtered through various US or European news agencies. The menu on the top left has lots of interesting information about Russia’s war crimes and other matters. By clicking on the menu hash (top, left side of the website), there are current and historical articles with information regarding the attacked areas and the status of investigations into Russia’s alleged war crimes. See Ukraine’s website HERE.
With winter well on its way, fuel and energy are in short supply in Ukraine and its immediate neighbors, such as Poland. Shortages are now also anticipated in much of the European Union due to the recent Nord Stream I and II pipeline ruptures, as well as the movement away from fossil fuels by EU countries, and the current United States’ policy of inhibiting, discouraging or prohibiting the drilling of oil and natural gas resources within the US.
Please continue to fervently pray for God’s intervention, with a swift and just end to the bloodshed, food and shelter for all of the displaced persons and families, and an end to the suffering, unimaginable pain and trauma. Let’s not allow the politics of it all to affect our calling as Christians to love others as ourselves. Let’s pray for God’s peace, strength and favor upon Ukraine and all those who are suffering. Let’s pray for wisdom for involved world leaders, and yes, also for the Russian leaders and its people to see the war for the evil that it really is – and to relent from its prosecution. And while we’re on our knees(!), let’s pray for all involved to sense the presence and calling of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. After all, the Answer is always Jesus!
Matthew 5:3-10 (NKJV)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, [f]or theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, [f]or they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, [f]or they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, [f]or they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, [f]or they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, [f]or they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, [f]or they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, [f]or theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
