A reflection from Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop of Philadelphia Metropolitan Borys Gudziak following the February 28 meeting between U.S President Trump and Ukraine’s President Vlodomyr Zelensky. 

Unity. Dignity. Resilience. Sacrifice. Gratitude. These are the words in my heart on this turbulent day. These words define modern Ukrainian history. They have become even more pronounced over the years of Russian aggression against Ukraine…Their embodiment in action will help us persevere….

The Ukrainian people—soldiers and civilians alike, the government, the Church, and civil society—are profoundly grateful to the American people and to all people of goodwill in the hundreds of millions. For every word and every deed, for every prayer. Your support empowers Ukrainians to defend their God-given dignity, protect innocent lives, and uphold the values of the democratic world. This solidarity has strengthened our resilience, enabling a modern-day David to stand against a ruthless Goliath—against shameless aggression and genocide that seek to obliterate our people and undermine international rule of law.

Today, Ukrainians need unity. Unity rooted in truth has the power to stop evil. Ukraine does not seek pity; it asks for support to protect its people, its cities and villages, to defend the truth about humanity, to defend God’s truth. Ukraine needs unity of people…to establish a just peace, a peace Ukrainians long for more than anyone and for which they are making the ultimate sacrifice. God’s truth will prevail. 

+ Borys

Rusty Reno, Editor of First Things magazine, writing about just war principles on the day of the Zelensky-Trump meeting.

(The) Biden administration maintained the official stance of supporting a Ukrainian victory, which was defined as reclaiming all lost territory. This sounds high-minded and gallant. But one does not occupy the moral high ground by sacrificing the lives of soldiers in pursuit of unrealistic objectives. Biden officials have admitted they did not believe the Ukrainians could triumph, even as their official stance suggested they did.

The Trump administration has changed course. The president has determined the Ukrainians cannot defeat Russia’s army. In light of this judgment, Trump is pursuing the normal means by which inconclusive conflicts are resolved: negotiated compromise. His motive may be to secure the best outcome for America’s interests, rather than attaining a moral end. But the effect is similar: cessation of hostilities when there is little probability of resolution on the battlefield. Many commentators insist Ukraine could have prevail if the Biden administration had greater resolve and been willing to provide more advanced weapons and other supplies. They insist Trump is betraying Ukraine, because he, too, could ensure victory if only he would commit the full might of American power. I don’t wish to debate weapons systems. Rather, I want to draw attention to political realities.

Pope Francis’ post-Angelus message on March 2 2025 

I ask you to continue praying for Ukraine, which is in a delicate state. While I hope that all members of the country strive to overcome their misunderstandings and together build the nation’s future, I address a fervent appeal to the international community that it support every initiative in favour of dialogue and concord.

This week we enter Lent, the journey of the People of God toward Easter, a journey of conversion, of the fight against evil with the weapons of prayer, fasting and mercy. Humanity is in need of justice, reconciliation, peace, and can attain them only by returning wholeheartedly to God, who is the font. And we all are in need of God’s forgiveness.