On Monday 11 May, Western Ukraine suffered a massive drone attack, including the regions of Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and even Uzhhorod, which was hit for the first time since the beginning of the war.
Alexander Radin, who has been supported by Slavic Gospel Association since before the full-scale invasion, now serves as an evangelist and pastor of a new church plant in Khmelnytskyi and shared about the drone attacks on this city in Western Ukraine.
Alexander had already lost his home in the east of Ukraine in July 2025, when it burned down during shelling. Even though he and his family had to flee, his ministry continued among those who, like them, were also forced to search for a new home.
A few other families from his hometown church also came to Khmelnytskyi, and Alexander understood that there was a harvest ready for workers. Together with other displaced believers, they joined relief efforts, held regular meetings, and officially opened a church with a festive Easter worship service last year.
During the church’s first year, the anniversary of which they celebrated on 20 April of this year, the number of attendees doubled, with more than 100 people gathering for Sunday services. Most of the newcomers came through personal invitations, humanitarian outreach, or the counselling programme held at the church, which also helps visitors process the traumatic experiences of war in the light of the Gospel.
In addition to Sunday services, the church now has four small Bible study groups, three book clubs, and monthly women’s gatherings led by Alexander’s wife, Inesa. Most of the women are also displaced, and some have husbands serving in the army. These meetings have become a place of safety, encouragement, and openness, where they can learn more about God while participating in activities that help them cope with the difficulties they are facing. The church also organised a retreat in the mountains for them, which for many was their very first trip of that kind.
Remember Alexander and the Khmelnytskyi church as they have their first baptism service this summer. Pray for the Lord’s protection over the brothers and sisters in the city, which, despite being located in Western Ukraine, continues to be targeted by missiles and drones.