Ukraine: an unwanted anniversary
Four years on from the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, please keep praying with hope for peace
Photo: A war-weary people facing ever-increasing drone attacks
Tuesday 24 February 2026 marks four years since Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine. On this tragic anniversary, we share an update from Alison Giblett, CMS mission partner in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Alison has been living in Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv since 2004. When Russian forces entered Ukraine on 24 February 2022, she made the bold choice to stay in the country. For the past four years, she has offered practical, spiritual and emotional support to people whose lives have been torn apart by the war, in Kyiv and beyond.
Alison recently shared news from Ukraine. Her update paints a difficult picture of everyday life for war-weary people. But, it also shares hope, testimonies of God at work and answers to prayer.
The mood is bleak in Kyiv, snow is a foot deep and power is only available 1.5-2 hours a day. Recruitment of people to join the war has gotten harsher, creating a lot of fear. The increase in attacks on the capital city has resulted in much destruction.
But Alison and her church continue to work. To encourage and strengthen people’s faith.
Such as visiting soldiers with serious wounds. Talking and praying with hospital patients and supporting their families.
Alison is studying a course with Ellel Ministries focused on releasing people from trauma and PTSD. “It is wonderful to see how God’s Word is just as powerful today to set people free, whatever the circumstances.”
Her training is equipping her with tools and understanding to minister to soldiers and their families.
“Most of the men who have lost limbs in conflict continue to suffer from phantom pain (pain in the part of the body they no longer have). One of the Ellel trainers, who was praying for such a soldier, felt led to ask him if he had let go of his leg. The answer was no. So, with his agreement, she led him in prayer. They prayed to forgive those who had caused the loss, thanked God for the years that his leg had served him, and then released his leg – accepting that it could no longer support him. Choosing to trust that God would provide for him without it. After praying he testified that the pain had completely gone!”
Alison’s work with CMS continues to shift as the war has changed the landscape and needs of those around her. She dedicates much energy and time to learning more of the Ukrainian language and to developing trauma recovery skills. And she takes part in evangelism visits and volunteering as a chaplain to minister to veteran soldiers and families and widows of those who have been killed.
Alison will share more stories of hope soon.
Latest prayer needs from Ukraine
- Pray for Alison’s safety and that she and so many others will somehow be able to cope with the cold and lack of power
- Pray for veteran soldiers who have left the army at the end of duty or because of injury, as they adjust to civilian life. A number are on their own and don’t know where to turn. Others may have left the country or been forced to move to the west of Ukraine. Many veterans feel lost and turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their stresses, the practical and emotional difficulties.
- Pray for families who are separated with some members abroad and partners in Ukraine. Pray for people as they adjust to the consequences of this new reality.
- Pray for peace. For lasting, safe, life-giving peace between Ukraine and Russia. This time next year, may the violence have long ceased.
