Ukraine at War – Update 11, 2025

This is what Ukrainian resilience looks like

Eight-year-old Sasha Pascal from Odesa lost her leg in a Russian missile strike. Today, she’s back to doing what she loves – artistic gymnastics – but now with a prosthetic leg. Sasha is one of thousands of Ukrainian children injured in this war. And like so many, she refuses to be broken.

A Sleepless Nation

The following is a raw and heartfelt reflection on life in Ukraine today, shared by Brother Andriy.

Everyone’s already said it – the images from the Kyiv bombings shook the world. Heartbreaking photos of people buried beneath rubble – shared, reposted, mourned.

Another sleepless night passes. Two waves of missiles – one in the middle of the night, the other just past 5 a.m. We feel like dots on a game board, targets in some cruel version of Battleship. Not killed today? Not wounded? Then we breathe – for now. Until the next night. Until the next round of terror.

To some, Ukraine is just a poker table in a casino. They watch from the sidelines and comment: “That guy has no good cards in his hand. What is he even hoping for? Just give up!”

This morning, I looked in the mirror. The bags under my eyes told their own story. Sleeplessness. Exhaustion. I thought, This is the new Ukrainian look – tired, worn, wide awake.

Because who can sleep when the walls are shaking? Who can sleep with flashes in the window and the sound of explosions overhead? Who can sleep when the whine of kamikaze drones buzzes overhead?

We don’t sleep.

All of Ukraine glows red – on maps, in warning alerts, in our veins. We scroll Telegram feeds endlessly – Where was the hit? Is everyone okay?

The soldiers tracking drones in the sky don’t sleep. Rescuers, medics, mayors – no sleep for them either. All of us with hollow eyes, we are a nation of the weary. A nation awake – because one devil never sleeps.

The one behind this – the devil in the Kremlin – he doesn’t sleep. He’s been empowered, shielded by silence, backed by those who should know better.

And somehow, it’s us-with our swollen, sleepless eyes – who are the reason this nightmarish casino never closes.

To those who see Ukrainians as reckless gamblers who just won’t fold… To those who sleep in peace and wake without fear…To those who quote, “He gives sleep to His beloved”… Know this: we did not choose these sleepless nights.

This is not a game to us. We are not thrill-seekers chasing adrenaline. We are ordinary people – like you. But the madman who calls himself a peacemaker won’t stop – because no one is stopping him.

So we endure – alone. Day and night. And last night… the sky was stunning. Stars, like those Abraham once saw, sparkled above – calm, unmoved, eternal. Watching. As if to say: “These are your problems down there. We’ve held our place for billions of years.”

And beneath that vast Milky Way, one ancient plea echoes still:

“Rise up, O Lord. Why do you sleep? Awaken, and do not reject us forever.” (Psalm 44:23)

If we are not sleeping… If the devil in the Kremlin is wide awake…

Can we believe – can we dare to think – that God is resting?

No. God does not sleep. Lord, do not leave us alone in these terrible nights. Stay with us. Be near. -Andriy

Within a week of writing the above reflection, here is what happened to Andriy…. SEE PICTURES-VIDEOS

On April 28, 2025, an incident on the front lines revealed the true face of this war.

Andriy and a regional partner, Yevheniy, were on a humanitarian trip — delivering bread, drinking water, and preparing for the evacuation of civilians from frontline villages. As they approached one of these settlements, their vehicle was suddenly attacked by three Russian drones.

After the first drone strike, it is obvious that Andriy’s vehicle was not a military cargo vehicle, as evidenced by the bread and water scattered along the road next to the van.

The other two Russian drone operators clearly could see this was a civilian vehicle with unarmed civilians. Despite this, two more attacks occurred. These strikes were deliberate and targeted. This was not a mistake.

Thankfully, both Andriy and Yevheniy miraculously survived, despite the vehicle sustaining severe damage.

This latest attack once again shatters any illusions about the true nature of this war. Russia is not limiting its strikes to military targets – its missiles and drones are aimed at civilians, aid workers, and those delivering essentials like water and bread.

These attacks demonstrate a clear contempt for the laws of war, fundamental moral principles, and the essential values of humanity that should prevail—even in the darkest moments of conflict.

We are deeply grateful to all in HART’s community who pray for Ukrainian pastors and volunteers risking their lives near the front lines. Your prayers truly make a difference, and they help save lives.

Any support towards purchasing another used vehicle for Andriy and his team would be greatly appreciated.

Interview with Dr. Ivan Rusyn

In this powerful interview, Ivan Rusyn speaks directly to HART supporters, offering insight into the many complex issues surrounding the war.

• What would you like Christians in Canada and USA to know about the ongoing war in Ukraine?
• What has God been doing through His church and believers during this war?
• What has God been teaching you amid this terrible war?
• How has God impacted the Seminary, its students, graduates, & faculty through this war?
• What is Ivan’s message to HART supporters?

Tears of joy at the largest POW-Prisoner of War swap between Ukraine and Russia.

This powerful video offers a glimpse into the anguish of parents whose sons were captured three years ago – clinging to the hope that their child might be among those returning home on the latest bus of exchanged prisoners. WATCH VIDEO HERE.

Thank You – HART Community!

Your support enables local churches to care for “the least of these.”