War reaches further into western Ukraine as families face growing uncertainty
Recent attacks in western Ukraine are bringing fresh challenges for our team and the vulnerable families we support.26th October 2026
From damage to our vocational training centre in Sarny to fresh attacks on civilian buildings in Rivne, recent weeks have brought a stark reminder that families living far from Ukraine's front line are not beyond the reach of war.
For many people, western Ukraine has seemed a relatively safe distance from the fighting. But for our colleagues, students and the families we support across Rivne and Sarny, that sense of security has been shaken by a series of Russian aerial attacks.
On 21 October, the METRO store in Rivne was damaged in a Russian attack and temporarily closed. Thankfully, no staff or customers were injured. However, this has a direct impact on our work: this store was our primary supplier for the food and hygiene products we provide to families in need.
Our Ukrainian team anticipates that we may also need to change our arrangements for purchasing Christmas gifts for vulnerable families this year. Please pray for wisdom as they explore alternative suppliers and logistics, so we can continue providing practical support and bringing some joy to families at Christmas.
Our vocational training centre in Sarny was damaged in an earlier air attack and remains closed for safety reasons due to ongoing attacks in the area, with classes continuing online.
Repeated massive strikes on energy infrastructure and local businesses have also led to power outages across the region. The Rivne community has completely shut off street lighting as part of maximum energy conservation measures.
Our work supports vulnerable families throughout both Rivne and Sarny, and we have recently expanded our family sponsorship programme to Sumy, where communities are also experiencing attacks and their consequences.
One family we support in Rivne recently experienced a drone exploding in their yard. The mother was injured but is recovering, and we ask for your prayers for her continued recovery and for the whole family.
Mission Without Borders Director in Ukraine, Volodymyr Brychuk, said, “The character of the war has changed lately with more attacks to the western part of Ukraine, to Rivne, Sarny and other communities where our beneficiaries live. In this situation we try to stay safe whenever possible, pray continually, and keep providing any possible assistance to those in need, especially to the ones who have suffered as a result of drone strikes.
“Our coordinators keep sharing the hope and comfort that comes as a result of personal trust in Jesus Christ. ‘The Lord is my shepherd... He restores my soul' (Psalm 23:1) sounds like a lifebuoy in the stormy sea of life for every believer in Ukraine these days. Thank you for holding us in your prayers. God bless you.”
Thank you for standing with our Ukrainian team and the families we serve. Your support helps bring practical help and hope when it is needed most.
