Ukraine - A statement from the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John
![A religious woman holds a cross as she prays on Independence square in Kyiv. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)](https://churchinwales.contentfiles.net/media/images/GettyImages-1238719808.width-1200.jpg)
As many others will have done, I woke yesterday to the news of armed conflict in Ukraine. I join with our political and church leaders in condemning the actions taken by the Russian Federation and urge a return, by all, to negotiation. I invite you to join me in praying for all those involved and for peace to return swiftly.
![Emmergency unit staff treat an injured man after bombings on the eastern Ukraine town of Chuguiv. (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)](https://churchinwales.contentfiles.net/media/images/GettyImages-1238720720.width-1200.jpg)
We will be joining the wider church in Pope Francis’s call to make Ash Wednesday, 2 March, a day of prayer and fasting for peace.
![A prayer for Ukraine](https://churchinwales.contentfiles.net/media/images/Prayer_for_Ukraine_eng.width-1200.jpg)