Ukraine: counteroffensive begins
On 13 June President Zelenskyy said, ‘I thank our guys for every Ukrainian flag that is now returning to its rightful place’, as Kyiv’s forces were retaking villages in a counteroffensive against Russian troops and Ukrainian air defence systems repelled Russian air attacks in the Kyiv region. However, a Russian missile attack overnight on the city of Kryvyi Rih killed at least ten and wounded 28 in a residential building. See On 14 June, 22 Ukrainian prisoners including eight women went on trial for being terrorists. On the 15th Australia blocked the continuation of a Russian embassy being built near Canberra’s parliament because of security concerns. Ukraine is highly adept at masking strategic moves with feints, disinformation, and shuffling troops from one area to another, keeping Russia guessing their next move. Having promised to begin their counteroffensive in the summer, Kyiv’s forces are now stepping up attacks.
Greece: capsized boat disaster
Greece is one of the main routes into the EU for migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. On 14 June the deadliest shipwreck this year happened, fifty miles from Pylos. Survivors say up to 100 children may have been locked in the hold. 78 people are confirmed dead and about 100 survived. About 750 people were aboard the vessel. The air and sea search for survivors continues, but hopes of finding more survivors are now dwindling. Greece's coastguard said the boat was in international waters when they were spotted by an EU border agency aircraft. None were wearing life jackets. A few hours later the boat capsized, and strong winds complicated search and rescue operations. Last month the Greek government came under international criticism over video footage showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe's frontline countries this year. 70,000 is also the number of recent fatalities overall in this part of the Mediterranean.
India / Pakistan: Cyclone Biparjoy
Gale force winds and heavy rains are lashing coastal areas of north-west India and southern Pakistan as Cyclone Biparjoy (which means ‘disaster’ in Bengali) makes landfall to destroy homes and crops in its path. By 15 June over 170,000 people had been evacuated in India and 81,000 in Pakistan, with storm surges of 10 to 13 feet expected from Karachi to Gujarat. Pray for the Indian and Pakistan armed forces and coastguards to have clear uninterrupted communication between ships, helicopters, and aircraft as they are called in to rescue and implement relief operations. Pray for people to avoid travelling. Pray for the thousands in relief camps to have all the aid and provisions needed. 81,000 people from the south-eastern coast have benefited from the setting up ofup 75 relief camps at schools. Pray for the safety of those living in low-lying areas along the coasts and for them to have the wisdom to know if or when they need to evacuate.
Haiti: fuel, floods, fighting and prayer
Haiti fuel tanks are mostly dry as all Haiti’s fuel is imported. When their president was assassinated the government was left with no elected leaders. Violent gangs run Port-au-Prince and control major ports where fuel enters. One gallon of black market gas costs nearly £24. Inflation is rife. The earthquake on 6 June caused flooding that displaced 13,000 Haitians and killed fifty. Many organisations use generators to operate because no electricity is available; but some hospitals and schools are closing down because they have neither fuel nor generators. One impactful radio outreach is a live midday Christian prayer programme where Haitians can call or message prayer requests. They’re praying for Haiti. A ministry leader said, ‘I’ve seen people pray for their country before, but I’ve never seen people pray like Haitians do. They’re looking to God to meet daily needs, provide comfort, heal, and intervene in Haiti to do what only He can do.’
