[EDITOR’S NOTE] MNN is monitoring the unfolding situation in Ukraine. The article below has been updated since the invasion began. Please keep checking back for new stories as our partners release details from the scenes.
Ukraine (MNN) — Russia has declared war on Ukraine, commencing military operations on the morning of February 24.
A U.S. ambassador says Russia has created a list of Ukrainians to be killed or put into camps during the invasion. According to the letter, this includes journalists, anti-corruption activists, and minority groups.
The Kremlin has denied this report, calling it “fiction.”
Pressure on churches
Joel Griffith with the Slavic Gospel Association talks about churches in the Donbas region, already occupied by Russian-backed forces since 2014. “The Separatist leaders in that area began putting some pressure on evangelical churches. They required them to re-register but then, in essence, did not allow them to do so. I know that some pastors over there had been on the receiving end of threats.”
In case of an invasion, other churches in Ukraine could face similar circumstances. But Griffith says SGA partners in Russia and Ukraine long for peace and reconciliation.
Refugees
Central European nations are preparing for millions of refugees from Ukraine as the invasion continues.
SGA is preparing to care for these people. Griffith says, “I know that our leadership here has been in discussions with the church leaders there. They’ve already seen some refugee situations break out in some parts of southern Russia and in other parts of Ukraine.”
”We’re talking with them right now, figuring out how to best minister to these families.”
Pray for peace in Ukraine. Local churches continue providing food to those in need and sharing the Gospel. You can support them through SGA.
The header photo shows a Russian military ship. (Photo courtesy of joost j. bakker via Wikimedia Commons)
