USA’s 180-Degree Pivot Shocks Ukraine
On Feb. 24, 2025, the third anniversary of the war, millions of Ukrainians collectively grieved. Not merely because of what Putin has done to their country and its people, but specifically because of the US administration’s 180-degree pivot from supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom to blaming them for starting the war against Russia.
On this infamous day for Ukrainians, the United States joined Russia, North Korea, and 14 other Moscow-friendly countries in voting against a United Nations General Assembly resolution that condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine.
(See last week’s blog about the scale and brutality of the atrocities committed by Russian forces, and then let this US vote for Putin sink in). https://conta.cc/43cpW2C
It is difficult to overstate the magnitude of this shift in American foreign policy. Historically, the United States has stood for liberty and supported those fighting for it across the globe – a principle that has defined its role as a global leader. While many Americans still uphold these values, the current administration’s foreign policy approach signals a significant departure from this tradition.
President Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the democratically elected leader of Ukraine, a “dictator,” and has spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about normalizing Washington-Moscow relations and implied that strong U.S. sanctions against Russia over Ukraine may be lifted. This overture to Russia marks a major propaganda victory for Putin.
The Feb. 28 meeting in the Oval Office between Trump, JD Vance, and Zelensky, which began cordially, quickly devolved into a heated argument, with raised voices and interruptions from all parties. The major disagreement revolved around Ukraine’s insistence on stronger security commitments from the USA.
WHY SECURITY GUARANTEES ARE CRUCIAL FOR UKRAINE
- Deterrence against future aggression. Without robust guarantees, Russia inevitably will regroup, rearm, and launch another invasion.
- Preserving sovereignty and independence. Putin’s rejection of Ukraine’s right to exist as a sovereign state poses an existential threat, and guarantees would counter Russia’s push for Ukrainian neutrality and demilitarization.
- Economic stability and reconstruction. Security guarantees are essential for attracting international investment to help rebuild Ukraine and its economy.
APPEASING PUTIN WILL NOT WORK
Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement towards Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany in the late 1930s failed to prevent World War II. His mistake teaches us that signing a ‘peace’ accord is not always the path to lasting peace. Sometimes, standing firm against aggression is necessary for long-term stability and security.
Similarly, the West is overestimating Russia’s strength while underestimating Ukraine’s. Russia’s economic and military weaknesses suggest that instead of seeking premature peace agreements, the West should consider more assertive measures to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine. This approach could potentially hasten Putin’s downfall and prevent future conflicts in Europe.
The bottom line is for Ukraine to sign any peace treaty without security guarantees could be a disaster for the country.
RUSSIA IS NOT WINNING
Last year, Russia made slow progress in Ukraine: Tens of thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands, of Russian soldiers were killed or wounded, and five whole mechanized divisions were lost, in exchange for Ukrainian territory slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island.
At that rate, Russia will control all of Ukraine in about 118 years.
Keep that figure in mind when you hear President Donald Trump or Vice President J. D. Vance declare, as Trump did last week at their Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, that Ukraine is “not winning” the war and that it is in “a very bad position.”
Russia’s position is also “bad”—and perhaps more agonizing, because Russians taste the extra bitterness that comes with the knowledge that they could, in February 2022, have just stayed home and not started the war.
Both sides have lost, so that declaring only one side the loser is not a true statement.
Let me reiterate a point that we talked about in our last blog. And, according to the feedback we received from you in our HART Community, this resonated with many of you.
“As Christians, we must remember that God will never be on the side of injustice. Our choices about what we ‘believe’ should be based on God’s truth, not on political allegiances or fear. We are called to stand for truth, and reject falsehoods, even when it is difficult or unpopular.”
Pray for a JUST peace
Supporting Ukraine is not just an act of charity – it’s a stand for human dignity, resilience, and the fight for freedom against oppression.
Watching Trump Repeat Putin’s Lie Fills Ukrainian Pastor with Fear
Oleg has worked to support the defense of his country for the past three years as a chaplain and commander of a volunteer battalion specializing in medical evacuations.
Where Is the Missing $100 Billion in U.S. Aid to Ukraine?
On February 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said he had only received $75 billion of the $175 billion the United States had spent on Ukraine. The cry went up, what happened to the other $100 billion? Was it lost or stolen? The answer is no.
Contrary to President Trump’s exaggerations that the US gave Ukraine 350B, the truth was more like 175B, of which 100B was spent in the USA. How is this accounted for?
Despite theories and allegations of corruption, General Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, denied these interpretations. He noted that “we have a pretty good accounting of where it is going” and that most appropriated funds are spent in the United States.
Here is How Foreign Aid Works
General Kellogg’s comments are correct. “Aid to Ukraine is really an investment in American military manufacturing and supply. The attached graph shows $57.9 billion has been invested in the US defense industrial base, located in numerous states that are the beneficiaries of these contracts. Once all funds are obligated, that will reach well over $80 billion.
Most appropriated funds for “aid” remain in the country of origin. In this instance, they created American jobs and built military resources for the U.S. A by-product of this process is that America gets to renew its military equipment and arms while sending a mix of new and older military gear to Ukraine.
VIDEO
Putin’s Army Is Falling Apart.
Is This the Breaking Point? asks Kyiv Post’s Jason Smart.
Right now, it may seem like nothing is going well for Ukraine. Yet, we know that trusting in God’s sovereignty remains a powerful source of hope and strength. Here are some reflections to consider:
God’s perspective is eternal. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. What seems dire to us may be part of a larger plan we can’t yet see.
History shows that circumstances can change rapidly. Many seemingly hopeless situations have turned around unexpectedly. God has often worked in surprising ways throughout history.
Faith in difficult times. The Bible is full of examples of people trusting God in dire circumstances These stories encourage us to maintain faith even when things look bleak.
Prayer and action. While trusting God, we can also pray for Ukraine and take practical steps to help, like supporting HART’s partner churches throughout Ukraine.
God’s promise of ultimate justice. Even if we don’t see an immediate resolution, we can trust that God will ultimately bring justice and peace.
Remember, trusting God doesn’t mean ignoring reality or not feeling distressed. It means holding onto hope and believing that God is at work, even when we can’t see it.
Fruits of Their Labor
[Your partners…Pastor Yevhen & Serhey are two indefatigable, courageous Christian warriors near the front lines of this war. Despite the politics of the day, Christ’s Church remains a beacon of light in this dark chapter of Ukraine’s history. Let us celebrate their faithfulness and fruitfulness and keep them in our prayers.]
The start of this year brought a moment of great joy for 12 people from the Kherson region, despite the many dangers and hardships of the ongoing war.
Yevhen Bondarenko and Serhii Deinekin, our partners in the Kherson region, had the privilege of baptizing these 12 new believers—one from the Chornobaivka community and the rest from Kherson (south Ukraine near the front lines).
“These people came to the Lord during a time of intense military conflict,” shares Yevhen Bondarenko about his new brothers and sisters in Christ.
“God brought us together when they reached out for help—both material and spiritual. We spent countless hours talking about hope in Christ and the gift of salvation.
As we spoke, God opened their hearts, and they chose to believe. Some of these new Christians had been praying for baptism for over six months, while others had a shorter journey.
Many had suffered the destruction of their homes and property due to the war and explosions. But through Christ, they found salvation, and the church was able to show them God’s love in action. Eventually, they expressed their desire for baptism, and we were blessed to fulfil that wish.”
“This work is a testament to our collective efforts,” Yevhen continues. “In times of war, as in all aspects of life, it is crucial to share the message of Jesus Christ. But it’s especially meaningful when we can meet people’s physical needs and offer them warmth through the love of Christ.
We are deeply grateful to HART for your invaluable prayers and the critical help and resources you’ve provided. We praise God for you!” Pastor Serhiy, Pastor Zhenya
PRAY
Pray for Ukraine, Pray for Peace
Here are specific prayer points that can help guide our prayers for the situation in Ukraine. Please share these with your friends and family.
