NBC News reports that even though volunteers lined up to fight Russia at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War, manpower shortages are now an issue putting Ukraine’s fate at risk, even if it retains that support of Western nations.
Accordingly, Ukraine has taken a series of steps that include passing a new mobilization law, increasing fines for draft dodging and withholding consular services from Ukrainian men abroad who lack up-to-date military documents — measures that some soldiers on the front lines told NBC News they wholeheartedly support.
Many civilian men in Ukraine are reportedly fearful, with anxiousness being exacerbated by social media videos showing altercations between civilian men and recruitment officers. Many men are apprehensive about venturing into public spaces and try to avoid any contact with authorities, while others attempt to escape abroad, even though it is currently illegal for men ages 18 to 60 to leave the country.
The NBC News report may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, this situation is reminiscent of the situation faced by the United States during the Vietnam War, in which many men of draft-eligible age left the country for Canada (or other destinations) — except that Ukraine is facing an existential and unprovoked threat from Russia, making the situation more critical than simply wanting to assure “fairness” in draft selections.
This writer has expressed some frustration over the last two years in how Western nations, and in particular the United States, have provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine sufficient to prevent imminent defeat by Russia, but insufficient to assure Ukraine’s victory over Russia.
This has clearly not escaped Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is seemingly content to fight a prolonged war of attrition. Putin knows that Western nations tend to have short attention spans and are highly risk or casualty averse nowadays. He also knows that despite Russia’s less-than-stellar military efforts in the war so far, Ukraine does not have the military means to prevail against Russia absent Western military assistance.
For Russian President Vladimir Putin, this is a war of choice. Russia is a huge country full of resources, including oil & gas and minerals. This is an evil war. Russia does not “need” the land, resources and citizens of Ukraine for its own; however, Russia suffers under the leadership of a former Soviet KGB officer seeking the destruction of Ukraine and the death of Ukraine’s elected president in an apparent effort to relive the “glory” days of the former Soviet Union — placing all NATO-aligned nations at potential risk if not unchecked.
As followers of Christ, let’s continue to pray for Ukraine, and all of the surrounding nations, asking the Lord to change hearts and to bring a just and quick end to Russia’s evil attack against the free and sovereign nation of Ukraine and its people. Pray that the men of Ukraine would seek the will of God in the matter of military service. Pray that Ukraine’s civilian and military leadership would operate and make decisions that are in accord with the wisdom and the will of God. Millions of lives, both Ukrainian and Russian, face untold human suffering and are at great risk.
Some wise words from scripture:
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Psalm 34:14 (NKJV)
“Depart from evil and do good; [s]eek peace and pursue it.”
Proverbs 2:6-8 (NLT)
“For the Lord grants wisdom! From [H]is mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to [H]im.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
Pray for Wisdom for Those in High Positions
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
Praise Jesus forevermore!
