My brothers and sisters, tomorrow, February 22, 2025, marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the time, virtually the entire globe supported Ukraine. There was superior, on-the-ground reporting by mainstream news outlets, with Ukrainian families appearing on Facebook as they sheltered in bathtubs while Russia was bombing Kyiv and other locations.
Russian troops and heavy vehicles were moving into the country, heading to overtake Kyiv, and threats to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy abounded. Hospitals and apartment complexes were bombed, with the deaths including pregnant women and children. Children were whisked away (kidnapped) from eastern Ukraine into Russia and were told they were now Russians. Hundreds and hundreds of war crimes have been documented by Ukrainian authorities.
I could go on, but recent comments and actions by U.S. President Donald J. Trump have left a bitter taste in this writer’s mouth. The protagonist in this situation, dating back to 2014 at the minimum, is Russian President Vladimir Putin, a former Soviet KGB officer who seems to be lost in the supposed ‘glory’ days of the former Soviet Union.
The United States had to bring the Soviet Union to its knees (and ultimately its demise) after it turned against Western allies following WWII, forcibly dividing Germany into two nations (East and West Germany) and spurring the Cold War with the United States and its Western allies through the legitimate and ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation.
It is notable that during its ‘war of choice’ against Ukraine, Russia has attacked no less than two nuclear sites within Ukraine, including the recent, alleged drone attack upon the outer, protective shield of Reactor No. 4 of the former Chernobyl nuclear facility, and continues to threaten the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine and others. This is not only stupid, it’s dangerous.
The resolution of Russia’s war against Ukraine requires much more than an armistice. It requires either a clear and indisputable victory by Ukraine or a peace agreement ending the war permanently, with direct involvement and approval of the Ukrainian government.
Ukrainians are fighting for their land, their country, their families and for the principles of freedom. There are many Christian men, women and children in Ukraine. NATO-allied nations know that a clear Russian ‘victory’ will inevitably result in continued aggression by Russia.
Contrary to almost all predictions following the start of the war, Ukrainian armed forces have fought bravely and creatively, holding Russia at bay, even after Russia sought the assistance of military fighting personnel from North Korea.
The Associated Press (“AP News”) reports today (2/21/2025) that following three years of war, unity has begun to wear thin, and old frictions and political spats have reemerged; however, after U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s false claims this week that Ukraine was led by a “dictator” who started the war with Russia, even some of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s harshest critics have rallied around him and feelings of unity have surged again.
Kateryna Karaush, a 25-year-old tech worker from Kyiv, who like many Ukrainians and some Republicans in the U.S. Congress, said that “[y]es, he’s not a perfect president, but he’s not a dictator.” Many Ukrainians are struggling to understand Trump’s seeming embrace of Russia, which represents a major about-face in U.S. foreign policy.
The AP News article may be read in its entirety HERE.
As followers of Christ, we should continue to pray for our elected and appointed leaders to walk in godly wisdom, without the influence of excessive emotion as the truth of what Russia is doing remains clear and a resolution is sought.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“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…”.
We know that the battle of ‘good vs. evil’ is spiritual at its root, and the Bible tells us to cast down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge (and the will) of God.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh [emphasis mine]. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”.
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, [and] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Imagine if President Putin were to experience Jesus! The Bible tells of many men who were despots, but were turned around by the Lord in His wisdom, mercy and grace, to be used for His glory and the kingdom of God here on earth. I am reminded of Apostle Paul, who under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit penned much of the New Testament.
The Bible tells us that it is God’s will for all to come unto salvation, even President Putin. Many will choose to not serve Jesus, but as believers, we should pray that even our enemies would be saved and walk in the love of Christ. Why would anyone desire for even their worst enemy to experience eternal suffering in Hell, absent from the presence of God?
1 Timothy 2:4-6 (NKJV)
God Desires All To Be Saved
“[God our Savior] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all…”.
As a reminder, the Bible is exceedingly clear that Jesus is God (the Son), who is the head of all rule and authority, and that we are COMPLETE in Him!
Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV)
“For in Him [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power [rule and authority].”
