Voice of Ukraine

From: Maia Mikhaluk in Kyiv (1112th day)

Ukrainians are watching the news today with dread and apprehension as our delegation sits at the table with the American delegation to discuss cease-fire and future peace deal. You would think that sitting to talk to allies is not something to be concerned about. But as an ally first declares himself to be “middle man” and then keeps demonstrating that he is pushing interests and demands of the enemy, it’s impossible not to be anxious – the coercion our delegation will be put under is similar to the pressure of putin’s missile and drones attacks intended to force us to capitulate to a terrorist. As Jonathan Chait notes, “Trump inherited an American government pushing to defend Ukrainian sovereignty. He has reversed American policy rapidly. The American position has already passed the point of neutrality. The new American goal is no longer simply to end the war, but to end it on Putin’s terms. Asked on Fox News Sunday if he was comfortable with the possibility that his actions would threaten Ukraine’s survival, Trump responded blithely, “Well, it may not survive anyway.” That is not merely a prediction. It is the goal.”

Ukrainians will hear again from Americans today that we are nothing without them, that we have no cards and our only option is to surrender to the wills of putin and Trump. But we pray to God who is on the side of oppressed. David slayed Goliath not with His own strength. David didn’t “have cards”, but he had God on his side. Pleae, join us in prayer. We pray to God Psalm 17 today:

Psalm 17
A prayer of David.
1 Hear me, LORD, my plea is just;
listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.
3 Though you probe my heart,
though you examine me at night and test me,
you will find that I have planned no evil;
my mouth has not transgressed.
4 Though people tried to bribe me,
I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
through what your lips have commanded.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not stumbled.
6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show me the wonders of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10 They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a fierce lion crouching in cover.
13 Rise up, LORD, confront them, bring them down;
with your sword rescue me from the wicked.
14 By your hand save me from such people, LORD,
from those of this world whose reward is in this life.
May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies;
may their children gorge themselves on it,
and may there be leftovers for their little ones.
15 As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.