Making headway

Ukrainians regaining control of Ukraine

Little by little, Ukrainians are regaining control of Ukraine. President Poroshenko, noting that the insurgents had not abided by the peace agreement, chose to give the military the command to take action.  In a few short days, they had retaken a checkpoint at an important border crossing with Russia, one that Western allies claimed allowed Russian military personnel, arms and even tanks to enter Ukraine illegally.



Today, the pro-Russian militants were driven out of Slovyansk, long a rebel stronghold and refuge for separatist leaders. It was one of the first cities to be taken back in April when the unrest escalated. Today, the flag has been hoisted over the city once again. Ukrainian Pravda reports the rebels are fleeing across fields in droves. Ukraine Reporter says the Ukrainian military have entered Kramatorsk and are clearing the area of mines and rebels.  It feels like there is finally traction on the ground. It feels like Ukraine is taking back what is theirs.

But a tragic event in today's history of Ukraine was also reported in the New York Times.  Metropolitan Volodymyr, the Moscow Patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, died at the age of 78.  He had been ailing but was very active in trying to get the Russian and Ukrainian political divide to move toward reconciliation. His passing could be a serious blow to the gains achieved toward a united Ukraine.

Ukraine is a deeply religious but divided country. It is difficult to explain the lines drawn even among the Orthodox Church members.  The Orthodox Church is split in Ukraine between the Kyiv patriarchate, which is not recognized by Russia and led by Filaret who was excommunicated from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 1990s, and the Moscow patriarchate which is closely aligned with Putin. Despite being of the Moscow patriarchate, Volodymyr, a native Ukrainian, was a voice of reason for the church in his beloved country. Any attempt to replace him with a strongly pro-Moscow patriarch would be likely to fuel the turmoil. Filaret was very active in protecting protestors in the early days of the Euromaidan and won favour with the people, including presumably many of the Moscow patriarchate.

President Poroshenko's next move will be difficult. Whether or not to give Volodymyr a state burial will be a major question. The political issues surrounding the invitation list alone are massive.  I am hoping and praying that the President will find a way to bind the nation ever more strongly in the wake of the events of this week. Let's hope that Ukraine can keep making headway battle by battle and not lose ground in the war for freedom and sovereignty.