This week we’ve reached four years of full-scale war in Ukraine. It’s a heartbreaking anniversary, but we can say confidently that God has moved in power during these years. As they’ve lost everything, many Ukrainians have turned to Christ and experienced spiritual transformation. The Bible Society team there, led by Revd Anatoliy Raychynets, has covered the coun-try sharing God’s love. They’ve given food, medicine and blankets, but often found people wanting the Bible most of all.
Since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian Bible Society has distributed approximately 1.6 million Bibles, nearly 1,000 copies per day. As the war enters its fourth year, the demand for Scripture remains exceptionally high. Official figures announced by the President of Ukraine cited 55,000 military deaths as of the end of 2025, though the real number is believed to be significantly higher. This figure does not include the wounded, missing, or those held in captivity, each of whom represents a family deeply affected by loss and uncertainty. With approximately 1 million people currently serving in the armed forces, and a 70 per cent increase in civilian casualties in 2025 compared to 2024, the moral, emotional, and spiritual strain across the popu-lation is immense. Each casualty represents not just an individual, but an entire family impacted by grief, uncertainty, and emotional strain. ‘All of this affects people’s moral, mental, and even physical well-being,’ Anatoliy said. ‘They are in need of support and comfort. As a result, the population of Ukraine is increasingly turning to churches of various denominations for help.’
Based on capacity and analysis of previous years, in 2026 Bible Society aims to distribute 300,000–400,000 Bibles, which is approximately 1,000 copies per day. While Ukraine needs millions of copies of Scripture and related literature, the team in Kyiv is setting realistic yet ambitious goals aligned with its logistical and financial capacity. Demand is strong across both adults and children, though in different ways.
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