Ukraine at War – Update 08, 2025

Nicole Garanska and her father, Oleksandr, tragically lost their lives in a Russian drone attack on Kyiv on March 22. The family lived in a small house on the grounds of Emanuel Evangelical Church in the Holosiivskyi district of the capital. Only Nicole’s mother, Oleksandra, survived and is currently in the intensive care unit of a Kyiv hospital.

A close family friend, Diana Dudchenko, reflected on the tragedy, recalling how the Garansky family moved to Kyiv from a frontline town in the Zaporizhzhia province after the full-scale invasion began. They quickly became active members of the local church, where they met Diana.

“They were a sincere, kind family,” Diana recalls. “Even in difficult times, they didn’t isolate themselves but chose to help others.”

Nicole’s mother worked at a church kindergarten and later began baking sweets to order. Oleksandr took on part-time jobs and was actively involved in church ministry—leading youth meetings and organizing charity events. One of his most recent efforts was a winter initiative to collect gifts for children from frontline regions.

Nicole was a lively, quick-witted little girl who loved drawing, sculpting with clay, and dressing up in festive outfits. She was eagerly preparing to start first grade in September.

According to Diana, the family was at home when the drone struck their house. “Oleksandra was thrown twenty meters away. She remained unconscious for three hours until an emergency crew found her. Nicole and her father died instantly,” Diana recalls, her voice trembling with tears.

Oleksandra is now in intensive care. Her condition is stable, and there is hope for recovery. But this young woman has lost everything—her family, her home, and all her belongings.

Tragically, the Garansky family tried to escape the horrors of war, only for it to catch up with them in the very city where they sought refuge. The church that had become their safe haven is now marked by tragedy. The Christian community is calling for prayers and support for Oleksandra—please pray for her.

Targeting civilian areas is a blatant violation of international law and constitutes a war crime. This heartbreaking incident is yet another reminder of the heinous war crimes committed under Vladimir Putin’s regime.

What have you learned about God during this war?

When the war began, I had to decide whether to stay or leave for a safer region. I prayed, asking God what to do. His response was clear: “What did you promise Me?” I had promised never to abandon my church, never to leave, no matter what. And He reminded me of that commitment. He taught me that if I remain faithful to Him, He will bless me abundantly.

Secondly, I have seen how He works. We often try to serve others with our strength, but it is entirely different when God moves. I stand in awe, simply watching Him transform lives. I often think, “Lord, thank You for allowing me to be part of Your work.”

Thirdly, I am reminded of Isaiah’s words when the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send?” and Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me.” At one point, God asked me the same question. And I said, “Yes, Lord, I will go.” If I had chosen to walk away, I would have missed seeing the incredible things He is doing now. I would have remained in my small world with my limited understanding of God. But today, I see Him as great, powerful, and mighty.

Finally, God has taught me endurance. The Bible says, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” There were moments when everything felt dark and there seemed to be no way forward. But God’s voice was clear: “Stand to the end, and you will see My wonders.”

We have stood, and we continue to stand. And now, He is revealing things to us—deep, transformative experiences that cannot be bought or taught. They must be lived. Like metal is refined in fire, we are strengthened through these trials. Pastor Serhiy