In less than a year since Donald Trump retook command of the White House, he has notched multiple foreign policy wins and brokered peace in conflict zones across the globe. Most notably, of course, was the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas, which produced a cease-fire and a large hostage-prisoner exchange.

But there is still one major global conflict ongoing: The Russia-Ukraine War that began again in earnest in February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine at various entry points in the East, South, and North.

Earlier this year, we hosted Colby Barrett, the producer of the documentary A Faith Under Siege: Russia’s Hidden War on Ukraine’s Christians, on the Baptist Leaders podcast to tell the story of how persecuted Ukrainian Christians in Russian-occupied territory are fighting for their faith—and their lives.

You can watch the entire interview here.

Regardless of your opinions on the political dynamics and root causes of the war, and what America’s involvement in it should or shouldn’t be, there is no question that Evangelicals in Ukraine are being persecuted for their faith in the Russian-occupied regions.

And whatever else you think of this conflict, Baptists and all Christians should be willing to pray for peace and freedom of religion in Ukraine.

As Colby noted on the podcast, “People are happy to hear about Ukraine without a bunch of geopolitical bias…but to hear firsthand stories. That’s what I think is missing from this conversation. Let’s hear from [persecuted Christians like] Pastor Oleg. And the power of prayer is so important here.”

In 2022, the SBC passed a resolution calling for peace in Ukraine. The closing lines resolved that Southern Baptists “will earnestly and continually pray to the Lord, who is able to do all things, for an end to this war, for peace in Ukraine, for the presidents and leaders of both countries, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ to shine forth as a beacon of eternal peace, security, and salvation for all who will turn to him.”

Under the leadership of its previous president, Brent Leatherwood, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) interpreted the resolution in an overly broad manner and actively lobbied for taxpayer-funded American military aid to Ukraine. Former ERLC trustee Jon Whitehead explained how this was a violation of their mandate and crossed the line:

“In 2022, Messengers called on Vladimir Putin to ‘end this war of aggression against Ukraine.’ Messengers said nothing about urging the United States to fund Ukraine’s defense. But in 2024, the ERLC told Congressional Leaders that Southern Baptists opposed efforts in Congress to limit funding out of the United States Treasury (echoing Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer’s attack on Republican House Members blaming them for Ukraine’s military losses). Whatever you might think of the US defending Ukraine, the ERLC was not communicating a position taken by the Southern Baptist Convention. The messengers had remained silent on the US taxpayer’s obligation to fund Ukraine.”

That’s not what we want to do, or are doing, at CBL. In our mission to serve as a bold Baptist voice in the public square, we aim to honor the wording and intent of the resolution and draw attention to the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide, including our evangelical and Baptist brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

In “A Faith Under Siege,” you and your church can learn about how pastors, parents, soldiers, and faithful followers of our one true Savior, Jesus Christ, are continuing to trust the Lord and worship him even as they “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” that is their war-torn nation.

While the current peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are largely stalled, President Trump has repeatedly stated he hopes that “the war is going to end in the not too distant future.”

To this end, Baptists should keep praying for peace, for an end to the war, pray for the return of abducted Ukrainian children, and for the safety and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their faith.

If you would like to learn more about how to pray and raise awareness on this issue, consider checking out “A Faith Under Siege,” hosting a screening at your church, and reaching out to their team if you have any questions.