UKRAINE: What You Need to Know About Ukrainians and Russians

By Glen Elliott

(Glen Elliott, who served as lead pastor of Pantano Christian Church in Tucson, Ariz., for more than 20 years, now serves as teaching pastor there. Prior to that, he was a missionary to Ukraine for five years in the 1990s. He originally shared this post at his blog and is permitting Christian Standard to share it with our readers.)

I find myself breaking out in tears all through the day. For those who know me well, I’m not one who cries easily. My heart is broken. I’ve been in contact with many I know who live in Ukraine. I feel so helpless living so far away. I’m so grateful for so many of you who are praying and have opened your heart to the people of Ukraine.

OUR MINISTRY IN KHERSON
Our family served as missionaries in Kherson, Ukraine. CNN has a correspondent in Kherson, so I’ve watched the invasion of “my” city on television. Both of my children have amazing tattoos of Ukraine as they spent some of their childhood there. Kherson (the same size as Tucson) is the first major city on the main road out of Russian-annexed Crimea. It has the main bridge across the Dnieper River from Crimea to Ukraine, so it’s a strategic point. It appears that the Russians now control Kherson.

We went to Kherson when it was part of the Soviet Union. We helped start churches. We saw thousands come to faith. In 1997, we helped start Tavriski Christian Institute, which trains church leaders in Ukraine and Muslim Central Asia. We watched Ukraine declare independence in August 1991 and were there when the Soviet Union broke up. 

Here’s what I want you to know. Ukrainians are the most peaceful people I know. Let me be clear. There are good and bad people in every culture and society. There are good Russians. But Ukrainian culture loves peace and cherishes freedom. Before this week, I would tell people that Ukraine was the freest country in the world!

Ukrainian and Russian languages are similar but different (much like Portuguese and Spanish). But even the language tells us about the culture. The Ukrainian language is much softer than the guttural sounds of Russian. It reflects the softness of the people who love to be hospitable and cherish relationships. Ukrainians are loyal and very spiritual. To this day, my best and closest friends are Ukrainian.

THE COSTS OF FREEDOM
Ukraine’s independence has lasted 31 years—the longest the country has ever had independence. Ukraine has no natural borders to protect it (Ukraine means “borderland”). It has been conquered and ruled by the Mongols, Poles, the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and now an attempt by the Russian Federation. Ukrainians love their freedom and independence, and they won’t stand for Russian occupation. Look at their recent history to maintain their independence from Russia: 

• Orange Revolution (winter 2004–2005)—The nation protested and overthrew a rigged election that put Russian-backed Victor Yanukovych in power. The “Orange Revolution” removed Yanukovych. 
• Maidan Revolution (2013–2014)—The Russian-backed Yanukovych was re-elected but ousted through a violent revolt. This was because Yanukovych refused to sign agreements that would bring Ukraine into the European network. The Ukrainian people rejected Yanukovych’s attempt to deepen ties with Russia. His massive corruption was exposed. Yanukovych now lives in exile in Russia.
• Crimea annexed (2014)—Vladimir Putin decided to get even and advance his plans to control Ukraine. Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula, which was part of Ukraine.
• Russian instigation of the Donbas region (2014 to present)—Russia instigated and armed a militia in the breakaway area of eastern Ukraine that borders Russia, commonly called the Donbas region. This was the pretext for the current invasion.

The cost of lives and property is immense. But there is also another cost, one that is close to my heart. In 1997 we established the Tavriski Christian Institute (TCI). We were to celebrate its 25th anniversary this fall. It is the first Christian college in Ukraine to receive state accreditation. TCI is sponsoring Christian training for pastors and leaders in central Asian countries where believers are under constant persecution. TCI professors and teachers can go to these restricted places because they hold Ukrainian passports. TCI is helping support church-planting movements in Muslim countries where few can go. 

TCI has been evacuated because of the Russian invasion. TCI’s property is right on the Dnieper River, just a mile or so from the main Turupinski Bridge. This bridge is the main way to cross the river from Crimea to the rest of Ukraine. Twenty Russian special forces helicopters landed very near to TCI. They burned and cleared all the cattails and brush from the river to make sure they can protect the bridge so their tanks and military support can cross the river. Russian snipers control the bridge.

Will TCI students and staff ever be able to return? Will TCI need to switch to remote learning and/or relocate? TCI’s future is unknown . . . and so is the future of 40 million Ukrainians.

Russia also invaded the south of Ukraine to get water. Their first target was the hydroelectric dam in Kahovka (some 40 miles from Kherson). They needed to open a water canal that is the main source of freshwater for the entire Crimean Peninsula. When Putin illegally invaded Crimea and took it from Ukraine, the Ukrainians responded by cutting off their water supply. 

Yes, in some ways there are two Ukraines. People in western Ukraine (basically from the Dnieper River west) predominantly speak Ukrainian. Eastern Ukraine is predominantly Russian speaking. However, almost all can speak and understand each other’s language. But even eastern Ukraine is split. Many who speak Russian identify culturally as Ukrainian and love their country. But there are also Russian speakers who watch only Russian propaganda television and side with the Russian Federation. That’s why there have been the breakaway regions (instigated by Russian operatives). In general, there has been peace between Ukrainian and Russian-speaking Ukrainians, until the Russian operatives began their work of disunity. 

When Putin invaded Crimea in 2014, he sent Russian operatives into Kherson. They were driven out by a united city. Part of the unity in that city developed through the faith community. For decades, Protestant and Orthodox churches worked together for unity. Every Sunday, leaders and congregants would meet in the central square where the statue of Lenin used to stand. They would pray together for their city and country. 

WAYS TO HELP
So, what can people like you and I do?

For one thing, we can pray. You may think that is a little thing. After all, believers who suffer persecution have been praying for more than 2,000 years. But do we really believe in a God who is greater than an invading army? I do.

I’m praying daily that Putin repents and surrenders to Jesus. I’m praying for the Russian and Belarusian people to stand up and revolt against this tyranny. I’m praying the Russian oligarchs will take a stand against Putin (even if only for selfish reasons). I’m praying for a miracle of resilience on the part of the Ukrainian people. I’m praying that the West will fully support and supply the Ukrainian people. I’m praying that the believers still in Ukraine will stand strong in their faith as they love and serve all, and that they will be a witness to the life-giving Jesus. I’m praying for peace, in part because other bad actors in the world might be tempted to use this situation to further aggression elsewhere.

Pray for peace. Pray that amid chaos and conflict, the kingdom and influence of God will advance. 

Many of you have asked how you can help financially. We’ve been able to set up a way to get the funds into Ukraine! The funds you give will go to help Ukrainian refugees and the churches and Christians who remain in Ukraine to serve their people and advance the love of Christ. You can give at https://pantano.church/give/. Select the Ukraine fund. 

I’m in daily contact with Ukrainians (thank God for the internet) and we have ways to ensure that help gets to those who need it. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support. Please keep praying. I’m confident God will not ignore the prayers of tens of thousands of believers.

(Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)