Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, the spiritual toll of the war in Ukraine is increasingly visible, with military chaplains like Father Andriy Zelinskyy witnessing firsthand the profound impact on soldiers and civilians alike.
Zelinskyy, a chief deputy for the military chaplaincy in the Ukrainian Catholic Church, described a pervasive sense of fragility in a recent interview with NPR. “The world that we created is a fragile thing,” he said. “It can easily crumble, but it totally depends on us humans, on our dedication to certain values, virtues. And if we forget about this, like, the whole reality can crumble overnight.”
His work places him on the front lines, offering spiritual guidance to soldiers and support to families impacted by the conflict. He detailed the emotional weight of witnessing “human suffering dressed in a military uniform,” and the necessity of supporting families who are simultaneously grieving losses and facing the constant threat of missile strikes. According to Zelinskyy, the resilience of the Ukrainian people is rooted in their shared humanity and dedication to one another.
Zelinskyy recounted the story of a soldier who, after losing his entire family, voluntarily returned to the front lines. “He lost everything in his life,” Zelinskyy explained, “but he understands that if he stops, then so many others can lose their families, their own lives.” He also spoke of a mother who, having lost two sons and her husband in the war, now volunteers to provide aid to soldiers.
The war has prompted a reevaluation of priorities for many, Zelinskyy observed, with material possessions and social status losing their significance in the face of fundamental human needs. He noted an increase in requests for baptism and confession, even amidst active combat. “Those things that were remarkably critical to us yesterday… they have no place on the battlefield,” he said.
Zelinskyy described a daily practice of meditation and scripture reading, alongside a simple ritual of lighting a candle to center himself amidst the chaos. “If your mind is distracted by what’s going on around you, you necessitate to fix it,” he said, adding that the act of watching the flame helps him to regain focus.
Looking ahead, Zelinskyy emphasized the importance of investing in Ukraine’s future through education and support for the younger generation. He stated that the future of Ukraine “sits in the trenches and in our schools, at the school desks,” highlighting the need to both defend the country’s present and secure its long-term stability. Archbishop Broglio recently visited military chaplains and church officials in Ukraine, according to Angelus News, demonstrating continued international support for the spiritual needs of those affected by the conflict.
As of February 23, 2026, the war continues, with no immediate end in sight, and Ukrainian chaplains remain on the front lines, providing spiritual support to those bearing the brunt of the conflict.
