Gennadi Sergienko

I perceive the Ukrainian situation to be one of the tragic events of current history. The whole ordeal is a part of a global power struggle for spheres of influence. The “puppet master” though is not always clearly seen behind the curtain. But the idea to play a “nationalistic card” and make out of Russians the villains makes me sick. It seems to be the only way that Ukraine under the pretext of independence can slip from Russia’s influence. Unfortunately, religion seems to be an effective tool in sparking the flames of war. In a second, all our religious rhetoric becomes just that—rhetoric. I pray that the hatred and animosity sparked between two countries will be overcome in the nearest future, although when blood is shed it takes decades to heal the wounds. I sometimes think that I am witnessing scenes from the theater of the absurd.

Dr. Gennadi Sergienko is Senior Pastor, Second Evangelical Christian-Baptist Church, Moscow, Russia.