War in Ukraine
War! By Jacob Tanner
In the early morning hours of Thursday, February 24th, Russia launched an invasion and assault against Ukraine, the largest attack on European soil since World War II.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin declared war upon Ukraine, announcing that he was hoping to end "the demilitarization and denazification" of the Ukraine people, insisting that they pose a military threat to the Kremlin.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin declared war upon Ukraine, announcing that he was hoping to end "the demilitarization and denazification" of the Ukraine people, insisting that they pose a military threat to the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has declared martial law, but also urged citizens not to panic and to stay indoors. Ukrainian officials are expected to make a decision soon regarding whether a mandatory draft of males, age 20-60, will be enacted.
One video, shared by CNN, shows reporter Matthew Chance in Kyiv (the capital of Ukraine), as the first bomb strikes begin. He quickly puts on his flak gear and helmet as the explosions sound off in the distance.
The Guardian has stated that thousands of Ukrainians have fled the country since the first bomb strikes began. The United Nations Refuge Agency has called for neighboring nations to open their borders to Ukrainian refugees, as the situation deteriorates and thousands more are expected to flee.
As of Thursday afternoon, NBC has reported that 57 have been killed and 169 injured as Russia has begun its attacks. Massive casualties are possible as bombings were first reported in the early morning hours in the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. Airports and hospitals are among those locations being targeted.
The Russian war effort has continued to march on in an attempt to take control of the Ukraine. Despite "unsafe nuclear waste," the Daily Wire reported that Russia had seized control of the Chernobyl site, home to the worst nuclear power plant disaster in history.
AP News reported that Putin warned intervention from NATO or the US would result in, "consequences you have never seen." This appears to be a veiled threat about nuclear war, which has some remembering the long years of the Cold War once more.
President Biden has stated that the United States will not be providing any assistance to the Ukrainian people:
Although we provided over $650 million in defensive assistance to Ukraine just this year — this last year, let me say it again: Our forces are not and will not be engaged in the conflict with Russia in Ukraine. Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine but to defend our NATO Allies and reassure those Allies in the east.
As I made crystal clear, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full force of American power. And the good news is: NATO is more united and more determined than ever."
As I made crystal clear, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full force of American power. And the good news is: NATO is more united and more determined than ever."
Nonetheless, President Biden has implemented strong sanctions that are intended to impede Russia in the long run. "We have purposefully designed these sanctions to maximize the long-term impact on Russia and to minimize the impact on the United States and our Allies.
These sanctions are intended to limit Russia's access to finances to prevent their further modernization, but it is unclear how they will actively desensitize President Putin’s war efforts.
Following President Biden’s address, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has confirmed the deployment of 7,000 service members to Germany to deter any further Russian aggression. The United States, along with other NATO members, have made clear that they intend to uphold their agreements.
These sanctions are intended to limit Russia's access to finances to prevent their further modernization, but it is unclear how they will actively desensitize President Putin’s war efforts.
Following President Biden’s address, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has confirmed the deployment of 7,000 service members to Germany to deter any further Russian aggression. The United States, along with other NATO members, have made clear that they intend to uphold their agreements.
In the midst of it all, pictures have circled social media of Ukrainian Christians praying. Heart Cry Ministries has posted updates from their own missionaries. Christianity Today has even reported how Christian pastors are staying in Ukraine to “Serve, Pray… And Resist.”
One thing is certain: This is no time for Christians to fear, but to pray (Phil. 4:6-7). Wars are to be expected until the return of the King (Mt. 24:6-13).
Christ is still sovereignly seated upon His Throne and holds the universe in His hands (Ps. 110:1). He will continue to build His Church (Mt. 16:18), and nothing will stop His Kingdom from coming or His will being done (Mt. 6:10).
Pray for the people of Ukraine, and especially our brothers and sisters in Christ who are there now.
Pray for wisdom and peace.
Most of all, pray for our King, Jesus, to conquer all His foes, either through submission to the gospel or through judgment.
Christ is still sovereignly seated upon His Throne and holds the universe in His hands (Ps. 110:1). He will continue to build His Church (Mt. 16:18), and nothing will stop His Kingdom from coming or His will being done (Mt. 6:10).
Pray for the people of Ukraine, and especially our brothers and sisters in Christ who are there now.
Pray for wisdom and peace.
Most of all, pray for our King, Jesus, to conquer all His foes, either through submission to the gospel or through judgment.
Posted in Reformed Wire