The Russian Orthodox Church plays a key role in justifying Putin's war in Ukraine by preaching an Orthodox version of jihad, says Russia expert Lucy Ash.

Vitali Alekseenko may be a pacifist, but he is far from passive. For three years, he has been fighting in Ukrainian courts for what he sees as his right: exemption from military service. Last month, on May 6th, the Constitutional Court in Kyiv took up his case.

What is it like to live under autocratic regimes and in times of war? The new CNE columnist from Ukraine, pastor Igor Bandura, tells about it in the podcast.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, churches in Ukraine have become hubs of hope and aid for all those affected by this war. From caring for wounded war veterans to having children draw out their fears, these actions capture a small picture of what Ukrainian churches have been doing, as Baptist Union leader Igor Bandura points out.

Lyudmyla Marfin is an ordinary woman who does not stand out in a crowd. Yet, she is a chaplain and visits the front regularly.