Read Time: 4 min 02 sec | Reading Level: 8th Grade

WORLD NEWS

Ukraine War

Russia keeps ramping up its war on Ukraine, and the U.S. is pushing back.

Last week, Russia launched over 1,000 drones and dozens of missiles into Ukraine in two separate waves, killing at least 10 civilians. 

In response, President Trump is taking a tougher stance. He criticized Russia’s President Putin for “killing a lot of people” and said friendly talks don’t matter if the attacks continue. Trump has restarted U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine and plans to sell advanced weapons to NATO allies, who will then send them to Ukraine.

He also warned countries still doing business with Russia: stop, or face steep tariffs—possibly up to 100%. He gave Russia 50 days to agree to a ceasefire or face more penalties.

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy thanked Trump for helping. Many Ukrainians worry the deadline gives Russia more time to keep attacking.

Russia is brushing off Trump’s threats, calling them dramatic and blaming NATO for keeping the war going. 

There’s still no end in sight.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Christians should faithfully pray that world leaders make wise decisions and seek peace, but our hope should always be in God, not in any government.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Wars start for all kinds of reasons—sometimes over religion or culture, sometimes for land or power, and sometimes because of old arguments that never got settled.

Russia invaded Ukraine mostly to take control of its land, resources, and influence. Now both sides have been fighting for more than three years over where the borders should be, and unless there’s a peace deal, the strongest military (or military with the most outside help) will likely win.

But that’s not how God’s kingdom works. In the world God is making new, there won’t be war, conflict, or fighting. There will only be perfect peace. And it won’t be the biggest armies or loudest voices who inherit the earth. It will be the humble. The peacemakers. The ones who follow Jesus. 

Jesus said, “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). That’s the kind of power we want to live for.

What might my kids misunderstand about this story?
Peace in this world is temporary. The peace we gain through Jesus is forever.

We’re praying for peace between Russia and Ukraine, and our prayers matter—James 5:16 says the prayers of God’s people are powerful and effective. But even if every country in the world stopped fighting today, the reality is: peace on earth is fleeting. Humanity remains sinful, and where there is sin, there is conflict. 

That’s why we don’t place all our hope in presidents or peace treaties… we place it in Christ alone. He’s already won the battle over sin, and He’s coming again one day to bring perfect, lasting peace. No more wars. No more death, sadness, or pain. Evil will be forever gone. And the most praiseworthy part? God will live with us forever (Revelation 21). 

So we keep praying. We keep hoping. We keep working for peace… because even though this world is broken, we know how the story ends.

• Talk with your family about a time when you didn’t get along with someone. How did you work towards peace in that relationship?

• Memorize Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.”

• Pray for peace in Ukraine. Pray that everyone involved will find a solution that leads to the end of the fighting. And pray for Christians in both Ukraine and Russia, that they would be a light to those around them.

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