Read Time: 4 min 25 sec | Reading Level: 8th Grade

WORLD NEWS

Doing Deals

Monday will mark three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. 

Since then, some officials estimate a million people have died. Russia’s military is moving west and has taken about one-fifth of Ukraine’s land. (See what the map is looking like today.)

When President Trump took office, he said he wanted a quick end to the conflict. His administration is working on a deal with Ukraine to trade minerals (used in electronics and electric engines) for military aid. Ukraine has a lot of them, but it won’t make a deal without guarantees that the U.S. will help in the war.

Last week, Mr. Trump also reached out to Russia to talk about ending the war. A lot of countries have been giving Russia the silent treatment since it invaded Ukraine. But President Trump had a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Russian President Putin.

The White House has also sent officials east to talk about peace. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Europe last week. (NATO is an alliance of countries that helps protect each other, and Ukraine wants to be a part of it.) Hegseth said Ukraine shouldn’t expect to join NATO soon, may need to give up some land to Russia, and won’t get any U.S. troops.

This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine and allies in Europe were upset they weren’t invited, but Rubio said they’d have their chance to negotiate. 

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Whatever path out of a conflict you think is best, believing you’re right is not an excuse for believers to be harsh, impatient, or unkind. Being peaceable, gentle, and open to reason in the face of tough issues is a sign of God’s wisdom in us.

“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Wars can break out over religious or cultural disagreements, for independence, for land or resources, or in retaliation for something in the past.

Russia invaded Ukraine mostly for its land (and the power and resources that come with it). Now, the nations are fighting over their borders, and whoever has the strongest military will come out on top unless there’s a peace deal. 

The future God is bringing about in the world is perfectly peaceful, without any traces of conflict or war. And the people who will get all the land of the whole earth will not be those with the most military might; it’ll be the humble followers of Jesus—peacemakers who are like our heavenly Father. “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 CSB).

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
By praying for world leaders, even when they are enemies whose actions go against the grain of godly leadership.

There are certain groups of people that the Bible specifically commands us to pray for, including our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and those who are in authority: “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). 

An enemy leader may feel like the last person we want to pray for, but God says they should be near the top of our list. Praying for them—for their hearts to change, for evil plans to fail—demonstrates love for enemies and the vulnerable people under their leadership.

• Make a list of things you’re looking forward to about living forever with God in the new heavens and new earth (you can use these verses as a starting place: Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:17-19; Romans 8:18-21; Revelation 21:22-27; 22:1-5)

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

• Pray for the leaders in authority over you and for leaders of enemy nations: “We pray that you will lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness; and so guide and direct [name] that your people may enjoy the blessings of freedom and peace. Grant that our leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true religion and virtue” (The Book of Common Prayer, page 110).

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