Russian Aggression and Allies
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.
More than two-and-a-half years after invading Ukraine, Russia is showing no signs of stopping. To the contrary, several developments this week suggest the ongoing war is moving further away from a conclusion:
- The U.S. reports intelligence suggesting North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to join in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin used his hosting of the annual BRICS Summit (a group led by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and which excludes western countries) to signal deepening ties with China and no plans to end the war with Ukraine.
- The U.S. announced the release of an additional $400 million in military support for Ukraine.
Analysis and eternal perspective: It is said a person (or in this case, a country) can be known by the company they (or it) keeps. There is certainly significance in Russia’s deepening relationships with both China and North Korea, as well as its deteriorating ties with the western world.
The announcement of the most recent tranche of military support from the U.S. generated spirited debate from both supporters and detractors. The assistance was approved by Congress, which also declined to grant a request from the Administration to slow the release of the assistance.
As Jesus followers, there should be multiple layers to our interaction with this story. Most important, we should intercede for the souls of those in harm’s way. We should also actively seek out ways to serve and assist those under oppression (Ps. 82:3). Finally, we should thoughtfully participate in the conversation about whether and how the rest of the world should respond to the continued Russian aggression. There are no easy answers, but we serve a God who grants wisdom when we ask Him for it (Jam. 1:5)!