Merciful and compassionate God, we turn to You in this time of anguish and uncertainty, asking for an end to the war in Ukraine. We recognize the suffering of everyone involved, on both sides, and ask that you touch the hearts of leaders and soldiers so they can see the common humanity among themselves.
We invoke the intercession of Saint Vladimir, Patron Saint of Russia, and Saint Michael the Archangel, Patron Saint of Ukraine, so that together they may intercede for their nations, and bring our prayers to Your throne of grace.
Father, we implore You to protect those who are innocent, those who have been thrown into the trenches of battles and conflicts they did not choose. Extend Your protective hand over them, and allow them to find peace and refuge amidst the chaos. It comforts families who have lost loved ones, and gives strength to those struggling to rebuild their lives in the midst of destruction.
We ask, Lord, that you enlighten the rulers and leaders, so that they can see beyond their own ambitions and interests, and embrace the cause of peace, justice and dignity for all peoples. It inspires them to seek peaceful and diplomatic solutions instead of perpetuating violence and war.
God, grant us the wisdom to discern truth amid conflicting information, and the courage to uphold principles of justice and compassion. May we be agents of change, promoting peace and understanding in our own communities and in the world.
With the help of Saint Vladimir and Saint Michael the Archangel, may your mercy and infinite love be present in Ukraine and Russia, healing the wounds of war and uniting our hearts in a common purpose of peace and fraternity.
In Your name we pray. Amen.
Russia’s Interests in Ukraine: Security, Influence, and NATO Concern
Russia has a number of interests in Ukraine, some of which are considered crucial to its foreign policy and national security. Here are some of the main Russian concerns about Ukraine:
Sphere of Influence: Russia considers Ukraine to be part of its historical and cultural sphere of influence, as both countries share a long common history, including ethnic, linguistic, and religious ties. Russia sees Ukraine as a key component in its aim to maintain a buffer zone of friendly countries between its borders and the West.
Security: Russia fears that Ukraine’s rapprochement with the West, especially possible membership of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), will threaten its national security. NATO is a US-led military alliance that was created during the Cold War to contain Soviet expansion. If Ukraine joined NATO, alliance forces could be positioned closer to Russian borders, which Moscow sees as a threat.
Access to the Black Sea: The Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, is strategically important because of its access to the Black Sea and sea routes to the Mediterranean. The Black Sea Fleet, based in Sevastopol, is a vital part of Russia’s naval capability and an important component of Russia’s power projection strategy in the region.
Energy economy and resources: Ukraine has important natural resources such as coal, iron ore and natural gas. In addition, Ukraine is an important transit country for Russian natural gas supplies to Europe. Russia has an interest in maintaining control over these resources and energy transport routes, both to guarantee its own supply and to exert influence over European countries dependent on Russian gas.
Domestic Politics: The Russian government can also use the conflict in Ukraine as a tool to consolidate domestic support by portraying itself as the protector of ethnic Russians and Russian interests abroad. This could help divert attention from domestic problems and strengthen the government’s standing with the Russian people.
In summary, Russia’s interests in Ukraine are multifaceted and complex, encompassing issues of security, economics, politics and cultural identity. The possibility of Ukraine joining NATO is one of Moscow’s main concerns, as this could place alliance forces too close to Russian borders and be seen as a direct threat to Russian national security.
