Statement: LWF Council Statement on the War Against Ukraine
The Lutheran World Federation Council, meeting under the theme ‘Be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith’ – (Rom.1:12), issues the following statement:
Erklärung des LWB
Date 15 June 2026
FOUNEX, Switzerland
The Council expresses deep grief and concern that more than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, civilians continue to endure relentless attacks, displacement, trauma, and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, energy systems, and other civilian infrastructure.
Millions of people continue to experience devastating suffering, with an urgent need for humanitarian assistance, while millions more continue to live as refugees or internally displaced persons.
The Council condemns violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The increasing use of missiles, drones, and other weapons in populated areas has increased civilian casualties, intensified fear, insecurity, and psychological trauma, including in neighboring countries.
Russia must withdraw from Ukrainian territories and violations of international law and all crimes committed in the context of this war must be independently investigated and prosecuted. Justice, reparations, and the protection of human rights are indispensable foundations for sustainable and just peace.
Aware that hundreds of churches, mostly Orthodox, and other religious sites have been targeted and destroyed by the Russian military, the Council amplifies the voice of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I who has condemned this violence publicly and repeatedly. The Council reiterates its rejection of any theological or religious justification for the war, violence, or territorial aggression. Faith must never be used to legitimize destruction, hatred, or domination. Rather, churches are called to be voices for reconciliation, compassion, truth, and hope.
The Council gives thanks for the work of World Service program in Ukraine and the witness and ministries of the LWF member church the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine and member churches in neighboring countries. Through their humanitarian assistance, pastoral accompaniment, trauma healing, shelter support, advocacy, and the reception of refugees, churches witness to God’s mercy and presence among those who suffer.
The Council calls on governments and the international community to:
- Intensify diplomatic efforts toward ending the war against Ukraine and the upholding of international humanitarian and human rights law without exception;
- Maintain and strengthen humanitarian assistance and protection for affected populations; to support refugees, internally displaced persons, and communities rebuilding their lives;
- Remain in steadfast solidarity with the people affected by the war against Ukraine, noting that silence and indifference in the face of suffering undermine our shared humanity.
