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GUEST COMMENTARY - When war ravages a country, the very fabric of society is tested. In Ukraine, the fight against Russian aggression is not merely a battle for territory — it is a fierce struggle for the preservation of faith, freedom, and the future of a people. As Vladimir Putin’s forces occupy parts of Ukraine, Christians are enduring unimaginable persecution, with churches bombed, pastors imprisoned, and believers subjected to torture and death. Amidst this devastation, a small but powerful movement is emerging — one led by everyday Ukrainians and supported by international allies determined to counter Russian disinformation, deliver humanitarian aid, and bring global attention to the plight of the Ukrainian people.
I spoke with Steven Moore, founder of the Ukraine Freedom Project (UFP), and Anna Shvetsova, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, to gain an insider’s perspective on their mission, the resilience of Ukrainian Christians, and the urgent fight for freedom.
The Ukraine Freedom Project began in early 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. As a former Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, Moore was no stranger to the world of politics and policy. Yet, when he saw the horrors unfolding in Ukraine — civilians delivering aid to the front lines and Christians persecuted for their faith — he knew that the West’s response to the crisis was far too passive.
“I was frustrated by the lack of awareness in the West,” Moore explained during our conversation. “I needed to see the truth for myself, so I went to Ukraine. What I witnessed was far beyond anything the media was reporting. The courage of the people — especially the Christians — was nothing short of inspiring.”
What began as a humanitarian effort quickly transformed into a full-scale nonprofit focused not just on aid, but on truth-telling. Since March 2022, UFP has delivered over 250 tons of food to war-torn regions, supplied hospitals with critical medical supplies, and equipped thousands of Ukrainians with life-saving body armor. Moore has visited the front lines a dozen times, always returning with fresh stories, data, and images to share with lawmakers, the media, and anyone willing to listen. “We’re fighting disinformation with truth,” Moore asserts. “The more people know, the more support Ukraine gets.”
In addition to providing humanitarian aid, UFP’s mission has expanded to countering Russian misinformation through media outreach, briefings on Capitol Hill, and providing policy makers with firsthand accounts of the situation in Ukraine. Moore, leveraging his Capitol Hill experience, has become a trusted source of information for members of Congress.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this war is the persecution of Christians in the occupied territories. A Faith Under Siege, a documentary produced by UFP, captures the devastating toll on Ukrainian religious communities. Under Russian occupation, practicing any faith — whether Orthodox, Catholic, or Jewish — has been criminalized. Churches have been shut down, pastors have been arrested, and believers have been tortured or killed simply for their faith.
“Vladimir Putin has shut down every church in the occupied territories,” Moore said, his voice heavy with the weight of what he had witnessed. “It’s against the law to hold a Bible study in your own home. One woman was sentenced to 21 years for doing just that. These stories are not just about loss; they are about survival, about the resilience of a faith community under siege.”
I spoke with Anna Shvetsova about the harrowing reality faced by these believers. Shvetsova, a native of Ukraine who grew up just miles from the Russian border, is deeply committed to her role at UFP. She explained that her background in data analytics and marketing uniquely positions her to navigate the complexities of the war and the global response.
“The persecution of Christians is not just about religion,” Shvetsova said. “It’s about identity. These are people whose faith defines them. When you take away their right to practice their religion, you are taking away a fundamental part of who they are. It’s not just about territory; it’s about values — values we share with the West. The same values that Americans stand for.”
Shvetsova’s work has led her to Capitol Hill, where she’s become a prominent voice for Ukraine. “I’ve met with nearly 100 Congressional offices to share firsthand accounts from those on the ground,” she said. “It’s about telling the American people the truth about what’s happening in Ukraine and the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.”
The accounts of Ukrainian Christians, who continue to worship in secret, often in fear for their lives, are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Moore and Shvetsova shared several stories of believers who had endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of Russian forces. Some had been imprisoned for simply practicing their faith, others had seen family members tortured or killed. Despite it all, their resolve remains unbroken.
“When you live in peace, your faith is not challenged,” Shvetsova observed. “But when you live in wartime, when you’re confronted with evil, your faith becomes active. It’s about surviving, about holding onto your beliefs despite everything that’s being thrown at you.”
The Christian community in Ukraine has, against all odds, only grown stronger. In the face of unrelenting persecution, they pray for strength and forgiveness, often asking God to help them resist the temptation to hate their oppressors. “Ukrainians are asking God to give them the ability to not hate, to forgive,” Shvetsova added, reflecting the deep moral struggle at the heart of the conflict. “They are asking for peace — for an end to this killing.”
Perhaps the most devastating facet of this conflict is the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russian forces. According to Moore, more than 100,000 Ukrainian children have been trafficked to Russia, where they face indoctrination and militarization. Russian officials boast that 730,000 Ukrainian children are now in Russia. “These children are not just being stolen from their families; they are being weaponized,” Moore said. “This is an attack on the future of Ukraine.”
The Ukrainian people are fighting to bring these children home. For Moore and Shvetsova, this cause is personal. “It’s not just about territory; it’s about the values that we hold dear — freedom, family, faith,” Shvetsova stated firmly. “This is about the future of Ukraine. These children are the future.”
The war in Ukraine is, at its core, a battle for freedom — freedom to practice one’s faith, freedom to live without fear, and freedom to protect one’s children. For Moore and Shvetsova, it’s not just about supporting Ukraine; it’s about standing up for shared values. “This is a war for freedom,” Moore said.
As the war continues, the global community must stand in solidarity with Ukraine. The support from the U.S. government has been crucial in Ukraine’s fight, and Moore and Shvetsova are both deeply grateful for the assistance. “We are thankful for the support of Americans,” Shvetsova said. “This is American tax money that is saving lives here. It’s making a real difference.”
The stories of Ukrainian Christians under siege are a powerful reminder of the stakes in this war. It’s not just about borders or political power; it’s about the right to live freely, to worship, and to protect the future of a nation. The Ukraine Freedom Project, led by Moore and Shvetsova, is a vital part of this global struggle. Their work, both on the front lines and in Washington, ensures that the world does not forget the courage of the Ukrainian people.
As Moore and Shvetsova continue their tireless advocacy, they remain focused on the one thing that matters most: the fight for freedom. “We’re not just fighting for Ukraine,” Moore concluded. “We’re fighting for the future of humanity itself.”
(George Cassidy Payne is a writer, educator, and advocate for nonviolence, democracy, and social justice. With a background in philosophy, crisis intervention, and community organizing, he has taught ethics and worked extensively in conflict resolution. He currently serves as a creative strategist at Agape Haven of Abundance, supporting young women of color through education and cultural enrichment.)
