Ukraine’s Strength Is Not Disinformation

Ukraine is fighting a war on two fronts: invasion and disinformation.

Disinformation

The latest narrative is that Ukraine started the war with Russia.

I was there.

Ukraine was invaded by Russia. Ukraine did not start the war.

I saw the buildings destroyed, buildings destroyed on highways and heard the stories from pastors and congregants. I helped take food to people who were without power, heat or basic support. Let’s pray for an end to this evil Russian war; one that does not reward the aggressor and blame Ukraine for resisting a terrorist invasion.

Ukrainian Strength

My friend Ed Dickson, with Loads of Love, was in Kyiv on February 18. Overnight, Russia launched 200 drones against Kyiv. Ed described it as a deadly fireworks show above the city as Ukrainian defence systems shot down drones and rockets. He told me this week, “The rulers of the earth are scheming but God is above all. Ukrainian friends are strong, resilient, amazing people. They are becoming stronger in the chaos.” That’s not disinformation.

February 19 is the Day of the National Emblem of Ukraine. The Ukrainian trident is a symbol of strength, independence and thirst for freedom! This symbol unites Ukrainians who defend their sovereignty and future.

Fighting disinformation is knowing and living by the truth.

The Truth About Ukraine

1. It was never about NATO for Russia.

NATO has been 130 km away from Saint Petersburg for over 20 years, and it has been totally okay all those years. The half of the Black Sea coastline has been under NATO for decades, and it was totally fine. Russia’s Kaliningrad has been surrounded by NATO countries for over 20 years. Sweden and Finland (with over 1,000-km common border with Russia) join NATO, and Putin couldn’t care less – no threat at all, in his words. But when it’s Ukraine, which NATO refused to accept for 20 years and doesn’t want now, it is a “grave existential threat” to the world’s biggest nuclear power. It had to unleash the deadliest European bloodbath since WWII involving the North Korean military. It was never about NATO for Russia.

2. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with $67 billion in military aid and $31 billion in budget support. Trump’s $500 billion fossil fuel claim isn’t a serious conversation.

3. A poll this week showed that 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelensky. As for the claim about 4%, understand that it comes from Russia.

4. Russia is not the victim. We saw attempts this week to portray Russia as a victim.

5. In the past 20 years, Ukraine has had 5 democratic elections, while Russia has had 0. Who has election problems?

Friends in Ukraine

My contacts in Ukraine said the following this week:

“At 5 AM on February 18, Russia attacked and devastated the center of Zolochiv in the Kharkiv region (eastern Ukraine). The explosion demolished an administrative building, and caused significant damage to nearby structures, including a cultural center, a two-story residential building, and several retail businesses.”

“Ukraine stands, betrayed but strong as never before. Our strength is people. And these people will fight until the end.” Yaroslava Antipina, Kyiv

No Surrender

“We did not…

surrender when we were given three days and the American embassy was packing its bags

surrender our capital when elite Russian units were in its suburbs.

With drones for $500, we took out more than half of its armored potential. We paralyzed the Russian fleet. And at the same time, no matter how difficult it was, we did not fall apart, we retained control.”

Olga Rudenko, editor of Kyiv Independent, “I know the resilience of the Ukrainian people — the special internal strength that comes with the centuries of defying the odds, of surviving despite the forces that seek to eliminate you. I feel it in myself and in everyone around me — both in native Ukrainians and our allies who are here with us. That strength is something no one can take from us. Not even two of the most powerful leaders in the world working together.

Today, when we finally wrap the day and go home, we will hear the air defense working — Russia’s drones have been attacking Kyiv every night this week. We will publish the last stories of the day from our bathrooms, the safest place during an attack. Nothing is stopping here.”

God Above All

As Ed says, God is above all. The bloodshed is horrible. Ukraine will need years and billions of dollars to recover. They’ll need people willing to leave their comfort and walk alongside Ukrainians as they recover. Their two greatest needs remain ammunition and PTSD support.

Fight disinformation. Know the truth. Share the truth. Be the truth. Ukraine is one country on a global map of chaos and heartache. They are the starfish on the beach that I can do something to help get them back in the ocean. May God capture your heart for the nation as well.

Canada stands with Ukraine. This is not a moment for partisan politics. Or mere rhetoric. We are living through a watershed moment in history.

God’s Faithfulness

I leave you with the words of a man who saw affliction:

“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!

I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 (CSB)

Please share this post and join the conversation and post a comment below. Thank you.

Hope grows here.  We share stories that inspire people, build faith, and offer lasting purpose.

We’d love to have you Subscribe to REVwords. We’ll put helpful content into your inbox Mondays and Fridays.