Ukraine: Putin Rejects Peace Force
At a summit in Paris, 26 allies of Ukraine committed to forming a “reassurance force” to secure the nation immediately after any ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron said the initiative would involve troops deployed “by land, sea or air” to ensure stability, though he stressed they would not engage Russia directly.
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the plan outright, warning that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine would be seen as “legitimate targets.” His spokesman added that even discussion of such forces was a provocation, despite assurances from Western leaders that the deployment would be defensive and symbolic rather than offensive.
The push for guarantees follows recent talks in Alaska, where U.S. President Donald Trump met with Putin and raised hopes of advancing toward a peace agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Yet Putin cast doubt on meaningful progress, saying it was “nearly impossible” to reach agreement with Kyiv on major issues.
Despite his scepticism, Putin maintained he was open to dialogue with Zelensky, even offering Moscow as a summit location, a proposal Kyiv quickly dismissed as unserious. Ukrainian officials prefer neutral ground and continue to insist on a ceasefire as a precondition to wider peace discussions.
Western leaders remain wary that Russia is stalling for time to secure more territorial gains. Putin, who also met this week with China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, insisted his forces were “pushing forward on all fronts.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pushed back on Moscow’s warnings, stating, “Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine? It’s a sovereign country. It’s not for them to decide.”
The debate highlights the difficulty of ensuring Ukraine’s future security. While allies stress their commitments are defensive and long-term, Russia insists they are a threat. For Ukrainians, the cost of delay remains high, as the war grinds through its fourth year, with millions displaced and entire cities reduced to rubble.
The uncertainty underscores a broader question: can peace be built through guarantees and deterrence alone, or must trust and reconciliation play a deeper role?
Prayer Pointers
- Pray: for leaders to prioritize genuine peace over political posturing, that diplomacy would not be derailed by pride. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
- Pray: ask God to protect the innocent in Ukraine, especially the displaced and vulnerable, from further suffering and loss. “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9
- Pray: that hearts hardened by war, whether Russian or Ukrainian, would be softened, making space for reconciliation and long-term stability. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
Prayer for God’s Shield over Ukraine
Lord, we lift Ukraine before You. Bring a halt to violence, shield the innocent, and raise up Your Church as a testimony of hope. Let peace that only Christ can give take root in this land. Amen
DR Congo: Conflict Continues
In eastern DR Congo, violence continues to cast a shadow over ongoing peace initiatives. Human Rights Watch reports that M23 rebels killed at least 140 civilians in July, including women and children, during one of the deadliest attacks since the group’s resurgence in 2021. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of machete and gun attacks across 14 villages near Virunga National Park. Some families were forced to bury their loved ones immediately, while others saw bodies thrown into rivers. Many victims were reportedly from the Hutu ethnic group, and the UN corroborates claims of wider killings potentially exceeding 300 during the same period.
Despite the ongoing peace process brokered by the US and Qatar, the M23 continues to challenge stability, with violations of ceasefire agreements reported. Both local communities and international observers have called for accountability, urging the UN and global actors to press for justice and impose sanctions where necessary. Rwanda has denied involvement in the attacks, asserting that M23 operates independently and pointing to concerns about the armed Hutu group FDLR.
Amidst the violence, diplomatic efforts continue. On September 3, the DR Congo and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to the June 2025 Peace Agreement during the second Joint Oversight Committee meeting. Representatives from the US, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union participated, addressing implementation delays and recent unrest. Steps highlighted included establishing a single independent joint secretariat to coordinate regional support, mechanisms for voluntary refugee returns, and a military and intelligence channel for sharing critical security information. Both governments committed to ceasing support for non-state armed groups and accelerating efforts to neutralize the FDLR.
Peace talks with M23 in Doha remain critical, though negotiations face challenges. The committee emphasized regular follow-ups to monitor progress, underscoring the shared responsibility of regional and international partners to uphold stability and protect civilians.
Prayer Pointers
- Pray: Protection for civilians and God’s safeguarding over families and communities affected by violence. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4
- Pray: for the leaders and international bodies to act wisely, ensuring perpetrators are held responsible. “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed… “Isaiah 1:17
- Pray: the peace agreements to be fully implemented, and for hearts to be softened toward forgiveness and collaboration. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
Prayer – Lifting up communities
Father, we lift the people of eastern DR Congo and Rwanda to You. Protect families from harm, guide leaders with wisdom, and bring lasting peace and reconciliation to the region. Amen.
More: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8x5y2zvzk0o and http://web.sabc.co.za/sabc/home/channelafrica/news/details?id=2ccaa30b-e8e7-4fc1-acd9-153c3990df79&title=DRC
Sudan: Trapped in War
Sudan’s civil war continues to produce one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises as fighting enters its third year. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left tens of thousands dead from combat, disease, and hunger, while millions have been displaced. Families struggle to survive amid the chaos, with children suffering the brunt of malnutrition and preventable illnesses.
In August, the SAF consolidated control over Khartoum and central and eastern regions, including the strategic port city of Port Sudan. The RSF, in turn, dominates much of Darfur and southern Kordofan and has allied with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) to expand influence. RSF attacks on North Darfur’s capital, el-Fasher, threaten the city’s last SAF garrison and have trapped approximately 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children. Satellite imagery shows sand berms encircling the city, creating a “kill-box” effect, with civilians caught in crossfire and with limited avenues for escape.
Many families survive on minimal food sources such as ambaz, a paste made from pressed oil seeds, yet supplies are dwindling. In Mellit, one-third of children are severely malnourished, reaching emergency thresholds defined by the World Health Organization. Cholera outbreaks in Darfur have claimed hundreds of lives and infected over 9,000, compounding the humanitarian crisis. Aid convoys from the United Nations and NGOs rarely reach affected areas due to roadblocks, attacks, and bureaucratic delays, including a recent drone strike on a UN convoy in North Darfur. South Kordofan faces similar hunger crises due to RSF sieges on Dilling and Kadugli.
Politically, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo was sworn in as president of a parallel “Peace government” in Nyala, South Darfur, coinciding with SAF drone strikes on the city. Reports suggest secret discussions in Switzerland between SAF Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and a US adviser to explore pathways to peace, followed by the retirement of senior officers linked to Sudan’s former Islamist government.
Civilians remain at extreme risk as the war continues. The international community is being urged to intensify humanitarian aid, press for accountability, and ensure that ceasefires are implemented to protect those trapped in conflict zones.
Prayer Pointers
- Pray: for God’s safeguarding over families trapped in conflict zones, that children and vulnerable communities would find refuge and safety. “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life.” Psalm 121:7
- Pray: and ask the Lord to bring peace to Sudan for God to soften hardened hearts, ending cycles of revenge and hatred.
- Pray: for the Church in Sudan for the to remain steadfast, bringing hope and comfort to those in despair.
Prayer – for Sudan’s Children and Families
Lord, we lift up the people of Kordofan. Protect the innocent, comfort the grieving, and bring an end to bloodshed. Raise Your Church to shine as a beacon of hope, and let Your peace touch this broken land. Amen
More: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/31/sudan-august-update
Iran: Christians Targeted as Spies
Iranian state media has accused at least 54 Christians of espionage, claiming that their religious activities abroad and possession of Bibles constitute “anti-security” behaviour. The broadcast included footage of Bibles being transported into the country, images of gatherings, and coerced confessions of some detainees, creating the impression of a faith community aligned with foreign intelligence.
These accusations were aired before any trial, raising serious concerns about due process and the right to a fair defence. The state’s narrative risks framing everyday Christian practices including prayer, worship, baptisms, and possession of Scripture, as criminal acts. Presenting evangelical believers as traitors fuels societal hostility and deepens the persecution of Persian-speaking Christians in Iran.
Open worship remains severely restricted in the country, forcing many to meet in secret. Despite these pressures, believers continue to gather quietly, sharing faith and Scripture under immense personal risk. Observers note that this escalation is consistent with Iran’s ongoing pattern of monitoring and suppressing Christian activity, highlighting the need for international attention and support.
The World Watch List ranks Iran as the ninth most challenging country for Christians, reflecting the heightened risks of imprisonment, interrogation, and harassment faced by those practicing their faith openly. Human rights groups emphasize that the allegations of espionage are unfounded and serve as a pretext for suppressing religious freedom.
The global church is called to stand in solidarity with these believers—praying for protection, courage, and endurance. Advocacy for due process, freedom to worship, and international pressure to uphold human rights are critical in supporting Christians under persecution in Iran. The situation underscores the ongoing need for awareness and prayer, as well as practical support for families and house churches navigating life under constant threat.
Prayer Pointers
- Pray: for God’s safeguarding over Christians facing imprisonment and false accusations. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7
- Pray: for courage, endurance, unwavering faith and strength for those meeting secretly to worship. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
- Pray: that authorities uphold truth and justice, and that the global community champions religious freedom. “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Proverbs 21:15
Praying - Strength for the faithful in Iran
Lord, protect Your children in Iran. Give them courage, endurance, and peace as they practice their faith in the face of threats. Amen.
More: https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/iran-christian-spies/
‘Rise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.’ (Isaiah 60:1)
