A young Ukrainian looks calm and thoughtful. His name is Mykyta Manevskyi and he is the prosecutor in the trial of Dmitriy Kurashov, for the alleged battle-field execution of Vitalii Hodniuk, a veteran 41-year-old Ukrainian soldier. This was the first time that Ukraine has been able to put together a case, ‘amidst tens of thousands of open war crimes cases’. Kurashov’s unit was part of a division of the Russian army which recruited released prisoners who hoped that they would survive front-line service and gain their freedom. This story, told from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine by Joel Gunter, can be found on the BBC News website. There are many more people named or pictured who have complex stories calling for our prayer, giving thanks also for those who risk their own well-being to bring these stories to us.
God of peace and justice, send your blessing on the people of Ukraine and Russia.
Sustain them in their courage, hold them in their fear, protect them from
all danger and be for them the hope they desire
for Jesus Christ’s sake.