The leader of the Russian Evangelical Alliance, Vitaly Vlasenko, has expressed deep sadness over the conflict in Ukraine and the lack of unity of Christians around the world in praying for a peaceful resolution.

“It is very difficult in this situation to be a faithful citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven and remain a decent citizen and patriot of your earthly Fatherland”, Vlasenko said in an interview with Christian Daily International (CDI).

“It is very difficult to hear about the pain and see the suffering of people in a war zone and find the strength to maintain self-control not to go crazy”, he commented.

Saying he personally struggles with very strong emotions (“feelings of hopelessness and helplessness fill my heart”) when following the reality of war, Vlasenko said: “It is very difficult to speak words of consolation to the loved ones of the victims when everything is so ambiguous. It is very difficult when, instead of calls for peace and negotiations to end the war, you hear about ‘the military defeat of your country on the battlefield’”.

The war in Ukraine started with a full-scale invasion of Russia on 24 February 2024, after months of military preparations that Vladimir Putin denied had anything to do with the a war with the neighbouring country. It is estimated that over 500,000 people been killed in the conflict since the start of the conflict, which traces its roots back to 2014.

Peace and forgiveness

The Baptist pastor who has travelled much in Europe and has built good relationships with other Evangelical Alliances in Europe and elsewhere, expressed its frustration with how the global church is approaching the conflict.

“Where is the church calling for peace and forgiveness?”, asked Vlasenko. “Is it really that we, as Evangelical Christians, cannot act as a united front, but stand on opposite sides of the political barricades?”

He said that he was “very grateful” for fellow Christians outside the country who “watch and spiritually care for us in Russia” despite any political and cultural or any other disagreements.

“Today, on behalf of the Russian Evangelical Alliance, I call on all people of good will, primarily the global community of Evangelical Christians, to make every possible effort in all areas to save our wonderful world from military escalation and complete destruction.”

Prayer requests

“Please hear my cry”, Vlasenko told CDI. “The self-will of sinful people will destroy this world if we do not take spiritual responsibility for this world and begin to do God’s will on Earth as in Heaven”.

“I call on all Christians in politics, in economics, in culture, like Queen Esther [in the Bible], to do everything we can to stop the war!”

“We pray and ask you to pray for peace in Ukraine, for the suspension of all military conflicts. We pray for the spread of God's will throughout the Earth and for the salvation of people from eternal destruction. We pray for freedom of conscience and interfaith peace and harmony”.

And he finished: “We pray and ask you to pray for the restoration of relations and reconciliation of the peoples of our countries, Russia and Ukraine”.

Evangelical Christians in Russia represent 1-2% of the population. They are organised into denominations, the largest being Pentecostal and Baptist.