Reflecting on the four-year mark of the conflict in Ukraine, Bishop Pavlo Shvarts, head of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine, remarked, “It is a tragic day for our people and our history.” He expressed gratitude, saying, “We sincerely thank all of you who continue to pray for us and to keep our church in your heart.” Bishop Shvarts urged continued support for the church’s efforts to maintain hope amid the conflict: “We are deeply grateful for your open hearts, for your willingness to continue supporting people in Ukraine.”
Earlier in February, LWF President Bishop Henrik Stubkjær and General Secretary Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt sent a pastoral letter to Bishop Shvarts, expressing gratitude for the church’s enduring witness in Ukraine. They highlighted its diaconal work and pastoral care as a testament to resilience and compassion central to the gospel. The leaders criticized Russia’s recent escalation of drone and missile attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure, noting deliberate attacks on energy systems as temperatures drop to -20°.
In a previous statement on Ukraine, LWF called on the international community to “act decisively to facilitate negotiations for peace with justice and to ensure the protection of civilians.” Highlighting the deepening humanitarian crisis and diminishing international funding, the statement asserted that “Russia’s war against Ukraine must stop. International law must be upheld to ensure accountability and guarantee the safety of civilians.”
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