Since the escalation of the conflict, one of the deep fractures running through Ukrainian society has been the tension between Ukrainian-speaking and Russian-speaking communities. In the early months of the invasion there were reported incidents in which Russian-speaking refugees faced hostility or suspicion, even as they fled the same violence. In many families, relatives live on both sides of the border, and the war has cut through longstanding relationships.

As people have moved across this vast country in search of safety, some towns and cities have experienced sudden overcrowding, strained housing, and pressure on local services. In such circumstances, it is not surprising that resentment and misunderstanding can arise between long-term residents and newly arrived displaced families.

For chaplains and community leaders like Vasily and Eric, this presents a profound challenge. Their calling is not only to provide food parcels and meet practical needs, but also to bring healing to a community of people with different backgrounds, languages, and experiences of the war. They must lead those who feel overwhelmed by change and those who feel they no longer belong anywhere.

If you would like to stand with our military chaplains, please consider supporting them through regular donations via our website (reference: Chaplains).