Day 677 of War

What is happening in Ukraine? Many of you have been in contact with us to get updates on what is really happening. The news outlets are reporting very little in most of our areas. So, I wanted to give you this general update on the status of life in Ukraine.

Since Thanksgiving weekend, Ukraine has experienced a major increase in attacks all over the country. On Dec. 30, the largest missile volley in 674 days of the war occurred. Cities all across Ukraine –Kyiv, L’viv, Odessa, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kharkov, and Druzhkivka were hit by almost 160 missiles and drones. The wreckage or direct hits damaged or destroyed over 100 private houses, 45 apartment buildings, two churches, schools, hospitals, and warehouses, according to Ukrainian sources. Most alarming to me is most of the missiles and drones are being shot down in the major cities, but they are still causing great damage and loss of life. Ukraine’s leaders have made clear they need more technologically advanced weaponry to help balance the scales.

Even though Ukraine claims they have killed or wounded over 357,000 Russians in this conflict, the intensity of attacks from Russia in increasing. To put this into perspective, the Soviet Union gave up on Afghanistan after 15,000 of their soldiers had been killed and another 35,000 wounded over a ten-year period. They’ve lost almost ten times that in less than two years in Ukraine, and yet they are increasing their offensive attacks. What will it take to end this madness?

I have been in contact with multiple members from the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus to get their perspective on the recent increase in attacks. Without fail, they all used the word “scary” and were not used to hearing such loud explosions or hearing them so often. In past conversations, they rarely described life in Kyiv during the previous months of war as being scary.

Several of our widows have reported damaged or complete loss of their windows from the explosions. Multiple reports from our teams describe damage and fire in their neighborhoods. Yet none of them are ready to give up and lose faith in the outcome of this struggle. Most of them are just exhausted from being under duress and having many nights of sleep interrupted.

Our other area of concern is the growing mobilization (drafting) of the men in Ukraine to the military. One of our staff member’s son in law was driving his grandmother to and from a visit with the family. He was unexpectedly stopped by the police and given a draft order to report for a medical checkup to be cleared to be sent to basic training and then to the front lines. This is not happening to the men/sons of wealthy or politically connected families and is increasing the stress of our staff and musicians. Even though President Zelensky has said the mobilization would be a fair process, most people find it hard to trust a government continuing to struggle with corruption.

It is astounding more loss of life has not happened over the past 6 weeks. However, our programs and meetings continue to meet weekly and serve the needs of the people. I normally share updates on all the wonderful things we have the privilege of doing for people in Ukraine, but felt it would be informative to share with you the reality of life on the ground for our people.  

Thank you for all the ways you support us and Ukraine. Please continue to be in prayer for their safety and well-being and for an end to this war to come quickly. Lord have mercy!

Greg Kannon
CEO