More Than 1,500 Gather in Kyiv to Pray for Peace in War-Torn Ukraine

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Just four years into Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Christians from around the globe gathered to pray, reflect on faith, explore justice and find a way forward. 

From religious leaders to military chaplains, journalists, international supporters and diplomats, more than 650 foreigners—including former US Vice President Mike Pence—joined Ukraine’s National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026.

At the 3rd National celebration, more than 1,500 participants from 17 countries gathered the day before Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day. Led by Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the meeting included a space for prayer and dialogue. Uniting religions, nations, languages and cultures, the event started with a prayer in Arabic by the World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General, Rev. Botrus Mansour. The prayer asked those supporting Ukraine not to grow weary of doing good, but to work towards peace.

"The greatest danger now is not fatigue at the front, but the world getting used to it," Zelenskyy told participants, according to a statement from the presidential office.

In his opening remarks, Zelenskyy noted the importance of this meeting. "Today is an important day. Today, in one hall, side by side, are different people, people of different faiths, political views, professions and nationalities. But important events like this underscore that any differences between us do not matter when it comes to what matters most. Truth. Peace. And how prayer, in difficult moments, unites us all," he said, according to reporting by Rubryka.

Praying for those in captivity, those in battle and peace for Ukraine, that it may come, Zelenskyy modeled a prayer that all of us, no matter where we live, should model. Urging participants and viewers not to end their actions in prayer but to begin with it, he hopes for lasting change. To quote Ken Isaacs, Vice President of Programs and Government Relations at the Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse, “I think prayer is important, but I also think action is important.”

Additionally, Pence also spoke at the gathering, according to Christianity Today. The outlet reports that during his remarks, Pence made sure to recognize the Ukrainian soldiers in attendance, congratulating and commending them for "standing strong against the Russian war machine." He also spoke about Matthew 8:10. It's a passage of Scripture in which Jesus says he is amazed by the faith of a soldier.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Sandsun

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.