How Are Your Ukrainian Friends?

I’m often asked, “How are your Ukrainian friends doing?” My contact posted this in the late evening from Kyiv on October 29^th.

That’s Life

“We’ve been warned about a possible missile attack tonight.

I checked that everything is charged and have some food ready for breakfast.

No.

I’m not scared.

You can’t stay scared for 1,344 days.”

Yara started a social media dialogue when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. She lives in the capital city of Kyiv. Since June 3^rd 2025, Kyiv has suffered destruction and loss of civilian lives every day. Russia started knocking out power stations as winter approaches. Ukraine is about a month ahead of Canada in weather patterns. October feels like November.

She checked that “everything is charged” to be prepared in case her power goes out again. At least she will be sustained for 24 hours.

Seniors In Trouble

On my first trip to eastern Ukraine in early December 2023, we delivered non-perishables to seniors living near the front lines. We asked them how they were doing. What’s life like for you?

They told us that the power was off. Their apartments had no heart. The temperature inside their apartment was 7C. These are seniors. No medical support. No 7-11s social services.  Churches and pastors became the providers of food and hope.

As we gave out food, we could hear explosions and feel the vibrations beneath our feet from the engagement just over the horizon. Seniors clutched fresh loaves of bread to their chests and thanked us for being there.

That was two years ago. The situation is worse, and conditions more dire. One of the pastors in the community was killed. One by one, civilians have lost their lives. In some communities, Russian soldiers use drones to hunt down seniors who dare go out on the street.

My War Diary

Thank you

I try my best, wherever I am, while communicating close to thank the military, veterans for protecting and preserving my life. And every time I see the same reaction: their tears and modestly lowered eyes.

No Greater Love

Russia intensifies its assault on civilians. A map of the drone and rocket attacks in one typical night.

The next couple of weeks are critical for Ukraine. Please intercede in prayer and advocacy for Ukraine in your social media. Share this post. Please join the conversation and post a comment below.

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