They don’t care who they target.
Pavlo Unguryan, a prominent Ukrainian Evangelical leader and former member of Parliament, recently engaged with members of the U.S. Senate to shed light on the dire situation unfolding in Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion. Unguryan passionately appealed for continued assistance in combating what he described as “evil forces” seeking to “destroy civilization,” emphasizing the targeted persecution of Christians by Russian forces.
As the executive secretary for the Ukrainian Evangelical Conservative Movement, Unguryan expressed gratitude for the support extended by the United States government and American churches to Ukraine. He underscored the urgency of the situation, citing instances of violence against Christians, such as the recent bombing of a church in Kupiansk that resulted in the tragic death of a priest.
In an interview with The Christian Post, Unguryan stressed Ukraine’s pivotal role as a frontier for European stability, urging international solidarity in the face of aggression. He emphasized the broader significance of Ukraine’s struggle, characterizing it as a battleground between opposing ideological forces and values.
During his meetings with political leaders, including Senators Richard Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham, Unguryan presented compelling evidence, including photographs of slain Christians, urging continued support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Highlighting recent atrocities, including the bombing of The Church of Jesus Christ in Kupiansk and the use of Iranian drones in Odesa resulting in civilian casualties, Unguryan condemned Russia’s actions as a threat to global stability. He called for unified action to confront Russian aggression and safeguard civilization.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Unguryan emphasized the alarming escalation of religious persecution, particularly targeting Evangelical Christians. He cited reports from the International Religious Freedom Summit detailing numerous acts of violence and oppression perpetrated by Russian forces against religious minorities in Ukraine.
The White House’s announcement of additional assistance, valued at up to $300 million, reflects ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid escalating tensions. While acknowledging the significance of this support, Unguryan stressed the need for sustained international solidarity to effectively counter Russian aggression and uphold the principles of freedom and democracy.