Russia (MNN) — As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the nuclear threat looms larger. Recently, Russia hinted at loosening its nuclear policy, raising the nuclear threat for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The United States and other Western countries have provided Ukraine with longer-range missiles, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is asking for the green light to use these weapons to hit strategic Russian targets.
Eric Mock from Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) explains, “He (Putin) would consider that a red line where weaponry that was used to hit deeper inside Russia that came from these developed Western nations would in fact signal that, de facto, these nations were, in a sense, in a war with Russia, and He would respond as though the Western nations were directly assaulting Russia.”
Additionally, Putin hinted in his statement that he would look at a nuclear response if Western long-range missiles were used to strike Russia.
(Photo courtesy of SGA)
As tensions rise, the situation grows more precarious for both nations. Despite the escalating rhetoric, SGA continues to support Christians both in Russia and Ukraine. “That’s why SGA, in hearing some of these threats and from some of these military concerns, has stayed consistent because our vision of serving God’s Church and helping them reach their own really remains untarnished,” says Mock.
The pressure on churches in both countries is immense as they navigate the challenges of war.
Mock says, “For the churches, both on the Ukrainian and the Russian side, it increasingly puts pressure on them to respond, not in national issues, but in a Gospel-centric way.”
Pray for Russian and Ukrainian believers to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and seek unity within the Body of Christ.
You can partner with them to advance the heart of the Gospel in this war-torn region. Get started at SGA’s website.
Header photo of President of Russia Vladimir Putin meeting with government members via video conference on March 10, 2022.
(Wikimedia Commons)
