Stand in Solidarity with the People of Ukraine

Since 2014, World Relief Western Washington has resettled over 2,100 people from Ukraine who have fled persecution. We continue to resettle Ukrainians who have secured their refugee status and been approved for resettlement in the U.S., however, many families' transportation plans to the U.S. have been interrupted or suspended due to the current crisis.

For up-to-date information on how Ukrainians fleeing the current crisis can seek refuge in the U.S., click here.

1. What’s going on in Ukraine and why are people fleeing?

Russian-Ukrainian tension has existed since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, when the then largest country in the world suddenly collapsed into 15 smaller European nations, including Ukraine. At the time, Vladimir Putin, now president of Russia, called the collapse ​​the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century.” Since the fall, Putin has desired to reclaim the lost territory, which he sees as “a single whole.”

Today, threatened by the expansion of Western influence and Ukraine’s desire to join NATO — The North Atlantic Treaty Organization — Russia feels a greater need and urgency than ever to exert and protect its influence in the region. The last month saw a huge troop buildup along Ukrainian borders, and on Thursday, February 24th, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the nation. Civilian targets are not being spared, as indiscriminate bombing has damaged residential buildings, hospitals, schools and crucial infrastrcuture that supplies heat, water and electricity to citizens.

As of March 3rd, over one million refugees had fled across neighboring borders. This number is estimated to grow to over seven million during the coming weeks and months.

2. What’s going on in Ukraine and why are people fleeing?

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God, you are near to us. As a crisis continues in Ukraine, we feel heartbroken. Thank you for this opportunity to pause and pray in stillness for the people of Ukraine. We do not take this moment for granted. Allow us the courage to feel, pay attention, and wait on you.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

God, we bring before you the people of Ukraine. We ask that each person may be safe and secure. We know that you are a God of perfect peace even when peace is far from the present reality. We ask that you meet the needs of those most deeply affected by this crisis.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord hear us.

God, we ask you to be present with Ukrainian people scattered across the globe, including those in our communities, churches, and workplaces. We know that some are far from loved ones and fear greatly for friends and family. We believe you are with them. We ask that you help us to care for our Ukrainian neighbors well and that you would show them your love through us.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord hear us.

God, we pray for families who are hurting. We pray for your love to be poured out and for families to experience unity in a tangible way that supersedes the problems between Ukraine and Russia. We pray for those who have already lost loved ones. We ask that you would be near to the brokenhearted and comfort those in need.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

God, we pray for your peace and reconciliation to overcome conflict. You are actively involved in our cares and burdens. We ask that you move in a miraculous way and guide the minds of those who are making decisions that have an impact on countless lives. Help us to be agents of peace in our own communities.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

God, we confess that we are limited in our ability to comprehend and understand fully what is going on in Ukraine. We ask that through your Holy Spirit you would call to mind particular ways we can pray for the people of Ukraine in the coming days and months. Grant us wisdom and discernment to call upon your name as we intercede.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

God, you are a compassionate Father. Give us the courage to be people of compassion who do not give up on praying and caring for the people of Ukraine and all those affected. Above all, we pray for your peace to reign in Ukraine.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord hear us.

Amen.

"Today marks one week since Russia invaded Ukraine, and over one million Ukrainians have been forced from their homes. We are encouraged by the neighboring European countries that are offering refuge to many Ukrainians who have fled.

World Relief calls on these neighbors to stop all discriminatory practices against Black students in Ukraine who are fleeing for their lives and being segregated. In unity with all people of Ukraine."

-Medard Ngueita, Executive Director