A Palm Sunday in Hell: Why Ukraine Still Needs Us

George Cassidy Payne

On Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, as congregants across Ukraine gathered to mark the beginning of Holy Week, two Russian Iskander-M ballistic missiles struck the heart of Sumy, a northeastern city with no known military targets.​

The first missile hit at 10:20 a.m. The second followed minutes later, armed with a fragmentation warhead designed to scatter white-hot metal shards over hundreds of feet. This method, known as the “double tap,” was perfected by Russia and its allies during the war in Syria. It's designed to hurt those who go to help after an initial attack. 

At least 34 civilians were killed, and 117 more were wounded. Among them: a little girl crying to her mother, “It hit me.” Another child, 13-year-old Kyrylo Illiashenko, wounded and bleeding, forced open the doors of a burning bus to free others. Less than a half-mile away, a children’s theater troupe was preparing to perform The Capricious Princess. Some of the audience never made it inside.​

This is not a war of accidents. It is a strategy of terror.​

When an Iskander-M strikes a children’s hospital, when a train station packed with families is reduced to dust, or when a university theater becomes a killing field, we should not call it collateral damage. We must call it what it is: deliberate civilian targeting.​

As Elena Davlikanova-writing for the Center for European Policy Analysis, noted in her article Russia’s Palm Sunday Massacre, “The mass killing of Ukrainian civilians going about their business is not an accident. Nor were the many, many previous attacks on defenseless people.” ​

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. “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 counter Russian misinformation through media outreach, briefings on Capitol Hill, and providing policymakers 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. “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. 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. Amid this violent campaign of destruction, their faith remains unshaken, a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. These stories of resilience remind us that what’s at stake in Ukraine isn’t just territorial control—it’s the fundamental freedoms that we often take for granted, like the right to practice one’s faith openly and without fear.

What has struck me most in my conversations with those living through this conflict is the sense of purpose they carry. Despite the constant threat of death, despite the devastation, they refuse to give up. They are fighting not just for themselves but for the future of their children, their culture, and their faith. They are fighting for the right to live freely in a society where they can express their values and beliefs without fear of persecution.

As UFP’s work continues, the global community has a critical role to play. We cannot afford to ignore the suffering of the Ukrainian people. The need for continued humanitarian aid is more urgent than ever, but just as vital is the need for political and military support to push back against the Russian war machine. This is not a battle for mere land; this is a battle for the very essence of what it means to be human.

The attacks on Sumy, on Palm Sunday, are a stark reminder of the brutality of Russia’s tactics. These attacks are not random; they are part of a broader strategy to demoralize and terrorize the Ukrainian population. The use of missiles to target civilians during a holy day is a calculated effort to show that no place is safe. No celebration is sacred. And this is why Ukraine needs our unwavering support.

We cannot let these attacks go unchallenged. We must continue to support Ukraine, not just with humanitarian aid, but with the resources and commitment necessary to bring an end to this senseless war. The price of inaction is too high. Every missile that strikes a civilian target, every church that is destroyed, every life that is lost, is a reminder of why this fight matters—not just for Ukraine, but for the world.

The courage of the Ukrainian people should inspire us all to stand up against tyranny, to defend freedom, and to ensure that future generations can live in a world where faith and freedom are respected. Ukraine’s struggle is not just their own; humanity struggles to protect the values that make us human.

As we reflect on this Palm Sunday massacre and the many atrocities that have come before it, we must ask ourselves: What will we do to help? Will we sit idly by, or will we take action to ensure that the story of Ukraine does not end in defeat but in victory—the victory of hope, resilience, and the fundamental right to live freely?

~ George Cassidy Payne is a writer, philosopher, and advocate based in Rochester, NY. His work delves into themes of spirituality, social justice, philosophy, and the human condition. Known for his introspective essays, evocative poetry, and thought-provoking commentary, George contributes to various publications and platforms, offering a distinctive perspective on contemporary issues and timeless questions.

Deeply engaged with his community, George writes on topics that resonate locally and globally, including peacebuilding, environmental ethics, and the interplay of faith and reason. His work strikes a balance between intellectual rigor and accessible language, inspiring reflection and connection among a wide audience.