Just a few weeks ago, Pastor Yevhen’s church was struck by missile fire. Now, in these videos, his elderly mother’s neighborhood came under attack. What you’ll hear is haunting and ominous. Yet, by God’s grace, both Yevhen and his mother are safe and unharmed.
Unshakable Faith
While visiting his elderly mother – whose home lies dangerously close to the front lines – Pastor Yevhen was caught in the middle of yet another early-morning missile attack.
The short videos he captured are terrifying. But they offer a raw and honest glimpse into what civilians across Ukraine are enduring daily. These aren’t military targets. These are ordinary homes – homes where families of all ages live in constant fear.
Pastor and Chaplain Yevhen Bondarenko is one of Ukraine’s true heroes of the faith. Throughout this brutal war, he has served with tireless courage, bringing God’s love, comfort, and hope to those who are suffering the most.
Our HART office in Ukraine sent us these video clips. After watching them, I immediately reached out to let Yevhen know that he – and so many like him – are being lifted up in prayer by our entire HART family. The next day, he sent back this heartfelt reply:
“Thank you for reaching out to me with the word of prayer and encouragement. It’s priceless, especially now as we go through this period of turbulence….
We keep our eyes on Jesus and continue our race. Thank you for encouraging our souls and supporting our hands to do more for the extension of God’s Kingdom in the front-line reality. Thank you and praise the Lord!!!”
Please join us in praying for Pastor Yevhen and the many courageous pastors and chaplains across Ukraine who daily risk their lives to bring care, comfort, and the hope of Christ to those suffering amid war and loss. May God protect and strengthen them, and may their faithful witness continue to shine His light in the darkest places.
Your prayers uplift their spirits, and your financial support empowers them to continue this life-saving, soul-restoring ministry.
With heartfelt gratitude for standing alongside God’s servants in Ukraine.
Child Sponsor Story
Defending the Cause of the Fatherless
After losing both parents, five orphaned siblings in Ukraine faced separation and despair—until a Christian family opened their doors and their hearts. See how your compassion is helping turn heartbreak into healing. READ MORE
Article
Ukraine’s Underground Generation
Aboveground, schoolyards and jungle gyms are empty and silent. Only when you descend two or three stories into a bunker do you hear the familiar shrieks and laughter of children.
Time to Call Russia What It Is: a Terrorist State
It is long overdue for the USA and the international community to call out Moscow’s attempt to violently annul a sovereign nation, its culture, and its civilians.
Assessment & Trends of the War Over the Last Two Weeks
- Diplomacy is increasingly weaponized: Economic tools (frozen assets), weapon systems, alliances – are all becoming part of the bargaining table, not just cease-fire discussions.
- Divergence among Ukraine’s backers: Europe appears united in deeper commitments; the U.S. is sending mixed signals. That could weaken Ukraine’s diplomatic leverage if it depends too heavily on U.S. alignment.
- Russia’s strategy remains force-first, talk-second: Until Moscow sees clearer pressure or setbacks, it appears unlikely to move off maximalist demands – so diplomacy is being used more for tactical bargaining than genuine resolution.
- Peace prospects remain remote: With the Kremlin refusing freeze-line deals and Ukraine refusing to concede key territory, the logical diplomatic path is extended stalemate rather than immediate settlement.
- Ukraine’s leverage is rising – but time is pressing: If Ukraine can secure advanced weapons + sustained financial/strategic backing, its negotiating position improves. Conversely, if Western support falters or winter logistics create hardship, Ukraine’s diplomacy may be constrained.
Summary
- Diplomatically, the war is shifting into a long-haul phase characterized by deepening Western strategic alignment with Ukraine, increased economic measures against Russia, and intensifying weapons diplomacy.
- However, Russia remains unmoved in its core demands, and U.S. uncertainty adds risk. Any breakthrough in diplomacy appears unlikely in the short term; the next 3-6 months will likely see incremental maneuvers rather than a settled peace.
Ukraine Winter Response Plan
Russia’s new energy assault is pushing Ukrainians into another winter of blackouts. We are already getting requests from our partner churches for ‘winterization’ assistance. (generators, power banks, wood, fuel, warm clothing, etc.)
Essentially, this means we’re helping people through our partner churches, to prepare, to survive, and function during the winter season amidst war-related disruption and damage.
Pray Together with Your Church, Family, and Friends for:
- A just and lasting peace — that light would overcome darkness.
- Defenders, veterans, prisoners, and their families — for strength, protection, and hope.
- Christians and non-believers in occupied territories — for endurance under persecution.
- The safe return of kidnapped children & healing for broken families.
- Comfort for the grieving & restoration for the wounded.
- Protection of cities, villages, and civilians from relentless attacks.
- Global perseverance in standing with Ukraine during this long struggle.
- Wisdom and courage for world leaders as they confront tyranny.
