Life in Ukraine

Gathering to pray could mean a knock at the door, a midnight raid, or never coming home—this is the new reality for Protestants in Ukrainian territories under Russian control.

In wartime Ukraine, a shift is unfolding behind the curtains of the country’s theaters. As male actors are mobilized to the front, women are stepping into their roles. On stage and off, they are reimagining not only their characters, but their place in a society reshaped by Russia’s invasion.

In Kherson, Russian drones hunt civilians in the streets, while underground, Ukrainian midwives help bring life into the world.

On April 20, Christians across Ukraine and around the world—Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox—celebrated Easter together. We traveled to the front-line zone in the Zaporizhzhia direction to mark the holiday with the chaplains of the 108th Territorial Defense Brigade and see what Easter looks like for soldiers and civilians in a time of war.

Russia’s missile strike near a playground in Kryvyi Rih killed nine children. These photos show the devastating aftermath.

In Kherson, every sunrise could be the last. Even a brief visit reveals the brutal rhythm of life under constant Russian fire. But the city stands, thanks to its people. From shopkeepers to rescue crews, especially the State Emergency Service, everyday acts of courage keep the city alive.