In the midst of this transition time in the war, here are some reflections on the past and some thoughts on the future.
Olga
More than 10 thousand civilians have already been killed in Mariupol. This in stated the mayor of the city Vadim Boychenko
The number of dead can exceed 20 thousand. Mariupol has been in a blockade since March 1. Over 90% of the buildings there are destroyed. There are about 120,000 civilians in the city now who are in desperate need of food, water, warmth and communication.
The Ukrainian railway has become a “road of life” for millions of Ukrainians who were forced to evacuate from the hottest points of our country.
Today, this road brings back to life those who were there a moment before their death.
Part of the evacuation trains heading from eastern Ukraine were re-equipped i as a hospital. Our hero-medics provide medical care right in the wagons. Professional, fast, courageous and so caring, as long as the road allows.
We are proud of you – our rescuers! You are the heroes without whom our path to victory would be impossible!
News of the war:
- Due to bombing and shelling by the armed forces of the Russian Federation 938 educational institutions were damaged. 87 of them are completely destroyed.
- Russians hold nearly 1700 Ukrainian military and civilians in captivity, including 500 women.
- The UN recorded 1842 cases of death and 2493 cases of injuries of the civilian population of Ukraine, in total 4335 victims of the Russian full-scale invasion.
Anya
EAST!!
Let’s pray for the East and South of Ukraine, as Russia is getting ready to concentrate their efforts on taking over the eastern part of our nation. And now we know how it looks when Russia takes over: Bucha, Irpin, Gostomel, 20 smaller villages- just around Kyiv – those are the places where we were able to see and investigate. Extreme violence and destruction.
This is where our team now delivering aid and is out every day to comfort people. We are also in the east, getting people out as people are facing the threats of more!
Now we can predict what Russian occupation looks like. East has been fighting for all these days and we have only some of the reports back.
We have also seen miracles and we need MORE!
Vicky
Praying friends. This week military operations are expected to escalate.
Ukraine needs around the clock prayer. Please invite friends to pray with you. We have seen favor and heartache.
Psalm 79…captures it best:
Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of Your Name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins,
for your name’s sake!
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants
be known among the nations before our eyes!
Can we do that, can we draw around us friends, prayer warriors, churches, intercession groups and let’s pray as we have never prayed before.
Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team