"Unyielding Resistance Yields Better Results"
In recent weeks, Ukraine has been facing an alarming surge in drone and missile attacks, with reports suggesting that these attacks have increased by 44% since August[1]. These intensified strikes, which include hundreds of drones and missiles targeting multiple regions in Ukraine, especially critical infrastructure and energy facilities[1][2][3], have caused widespread fear and disruption among the population.
The largest aerial attacks occurred on August 18-19, with around 270 drones and 10 missiles reported in one overnight barrage[1][2]. These strikes focused heavily on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in central regions such as Poltava and Kremenchuk, causing large fires, power outages affecting thousands of residents, and disrupting gas and oil refining facilities[1][2][3]. Civilian casualties were also reported, with at least 15 killed and 76 injured across multiple regions[2].
Besides the missile and drone strikes, ongoing ground engagements persist, though recent reports show Russian forces failing to make significant advances in key directions like Borova and Lyman despite offensive operations[4]. Russian forces also employ drone drops and countermeasures to evade Ukrainian drone detection[4].
The escalating tensions have raised international concerns, with NATO air policing responses such as German fighter jets scrambling to the Romanian-Ukrainian border after strikes near Izmail[5]. Ukrainian officials have condemned the drone and missile attacks as terrorist tactics aimed at undermining peace efforts currently underway in Washington[2].
The surge in Russian attacks follows Zelenskyy's White House visit and peace talks with US and European leaders in mid-August 2025, indicating these attacks may be retaliatory or leverage pressure tactics[2][3]. Thousands of Ukrainians are without electricity, heating, and shelter due to these attacks, leading to a growing gloom and desperation in Ukrainian cities[6].
As the US elections have resulted in a gleeful atmosphere at the Kremlin, Ukrainian Christians are concerned that the election outcome may give Putin hope to establish a new world order, potentially lifting sanctions against Russia and incorporating Ukraine[7]. The unpredictable American president-elect has claimed to end the war within 24 hours, but details on how are unclear[8].
Yuriy, a pastor in Kyiv, reports a large-scale Sunday shelling of Ukraine, but Ukrainian churches continue to worship[9]. Ira Kapitonova, a YWAM colleague in Kyiv, expresses concern that a lack of action against Russia could lead to conflict spreading to countries like Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland[10]. Kapitonova warns that appeasement does not work and cites historical examples of appeasement leading to conflict, such as Nazi Germany in the 1930s and Russia in Georgia (2008), Crimea, and Eastern Ukraine (2014)[10].
In the face of these challenges, Ukraine has been holding off Russian forces for 997 days despite overwhelming odds[11]. The Ukrainian president prays for protection, safety, and unity for his people and the nation[12]. Yale historian Timothy Snyder has been consistently warning about threats to democracy, pluralism, and wealth inequality in his books. He believes these threats come not only from the Kremlin but also from populist, autocratic, illiberal politicians everywhere[13]. Snyder urges citizens to check their attitudes, stating that it is a pre-catastrophic moment[14].
References:
- BBC News
- Associated Press
- Reuters
- CNN
- Deutsche Welle
- The Washington Post
- The Guardian
- The New York Times
- Weekly Word
- Evangelical Focus
- The Diplomat
- CNN
- Yale University Press
- The Washington Post
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