During these days, Ukrainian Christian churches in Washington State pray with love and compassion for the people of Ukraine, who have been suffering from the war unleashed by Russia for eleven years. The past three years of full-scale invasion have been marked by relentless terror against civilians, constant airstrikes, and a daily struggle for survival for every Ukrainian, regardless of their place of residence.
As church leaders, we raise our voices in defense of the unjustly oppressed and the suffering victims of Russia’s armed aggression. These include millions of Ukrainian families and children who have been deprived of their homes and sense of safety in their homeland and have been forced to seek refuge in other friendly countries.
We are grateful that Washington and other states have saved the lives of many Ukrainians who found sanctuary in America. The Council of Churches calls on the new administration to extend the United for Ukraine program and Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians and to resume processing legal status adjustment applications, given the ongoing genocide committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Evil must be punished, and forgiveness and reconciliation are impossible without the recognition of guilt and repentance by the aggressor! We firmly believe that lasting peace in Europe can only be achieved if Russia’s leadership and other war criminals are brought to justice. This approach will also ensure that American soldiers will not have to be drawn into an even greater military conflict in the future, which could arise from a policy of appeasing the aggressor.
We pray for wisdom and God’s guidance for President Trump and President Zelenskyy so that the friendship, partnership, and military cooperation between the United States and Ukraine may restore justice and lasting peace!
May God bless America! May God grant victory and peace to Ukraine!
February 23, 2025
Washington State