• Handling armed conflict

Scouts from the Kropvinitsky Corps, Ukraine, learn about the skills, challenges and dangers of first responders.

As Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, Salvation Army corps, staff, volunteers and supporters continue their ministry, despite the continual dangers of bombs, missiles, drones, attacks – and their aftermath (In March alone, there were 2209 aerial bombardment alerts across Ukraine).

Members of the Kropvinitsky Corps join the online training in learning about explosive risks and armed conflict.

The Kropvinitsky Corps recently hosted a lecture and training session, conducted by Humanity & Inclusion, an international organisation that works alongside people with disabilities and individuals living in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. The topic of the session was: ‘Learning about explosive risks and armed conflict: How to prepare and secure yourself.’

The corps’ scouts also visited a State Fire and Rescue Squad to learn about the work and challenges of first responders and their teams – essential in times of war. Captain Daria Bessmolnaja, Kropvinitsky Corps Officer, thanked the chief who led the visit, and his squad, for “your tireless work, strength, skills, time, for saving those who get into trouble! For our scouts, you are a model of selfless service, professionalism, dexterity, kindness, humanity, willingness to come to help! Thank you for being there!”

Captain Irina Khokhotva gives the message in Kharkiv Corps.

The city and region of Kharkiv, the scene of a new front in the war experiencing intensifying Russian attacks, is also where Salvation Army outreach is active. Last Sunday, “a lot of people were worried about whether there would be a service,” said retired officer, Captain Irina Khokhotva. “Glory be to God; we held the service. There were a lot of people. If God is for us, whom shall we fear? This was my first sermon in Ukrainian. I talked about two students who went to Emmaus.”

Dnipro Corps continues its ministries, despite the ongoing dangers of war.

In Dnipro, corps leaders Lieutenants Dmytro and Natalia Rak, regularly ask for prayers for their Bible studies, children’s work and other activities, due to the risk of bombs and missiles. During a recent open house at the corps, two rocket launches hit nearby, taking out water and electricity. 

The reality of war is experienced every day.

“We are asking for prayer support,” said Dmytro.