17th February 2026

At the end of last week, Ukraine recaptured 201 sq km from Russia on the eastern frontlines after Russian troops lost access to Starlink satellite internet, a US-based think tank said.  It marks the most land retaken by Ukrainian forces in such a short period since June 2023.  It overturns weeks of Russian advances to the east of Zaporizhzhia city.  The advance comes as Russia and Ukraine meet for US-mediated peace talks in Geneva today and tomorrow. 

Loving God, we pray for an end to the killing and destruction Russia and Ukraine are raining down on one another. We ask your loving care for all who are grieving, and your healing for all who are injured.  You are the God of the nations, whose sovereign rule brings justice and peace, have mercy on our broken and divided world.  Move among the delegates at the peace talks this week that your peace will be in the hearts of all, and banish from them the desire for war.  Guide them to seek a way forward that brings a lasting peace that ensures the security and safety of those living on the Ukraine-Russia border.  May all the barriers which divide crumble away, suspicions disappear, hatreds cease, and greed evaporate. May there be a focus on all who are innocent, people frightened, dispossessed, those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.  You have shown us how to love our enemies through Jesus Christ your Son upon the cross.  We pray that your will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen. 

Menzies Aviation has entered into a new global partnership with UK for UNHCR to strengthen its support of refugees through coordinated fundraising efforts and expanded hiring initiatives.  This is Menzies’ first global charity collaboration and will enable the company to contribute to UNHCR’s humanitarian programs worldwide. Funds raised through corporate contributions and employee-led fundraising will help support emergency response activities and long-term initiatives focused on protection, education, healthcare and economic opportunities for displaced people. Last year, Menzies partnered with UNHCR’s local integration program in Guadalajara, Mexico, hosting a recruitment event in partnership with local authorities and the British Embassy resulting in more than 35 job offers. Since early 2025, the company has hired 47 refugees in Guadalajara alone. Menzies provides accommodation and transportation assistance to help remove barriers to employment.

The partnership will also support efforts to expand refugee hiring programs in 2026, with a focus on increasing access to employment and advancing broader economic inclusion. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth.  Emma Cherniavsky, CEO of UK for UNHCR said, “Hiring refugees not only transforms lives, it also strengthens workforces, communities and economies.” 

Heavenly Father,

you have filled the world with beauty

and good things,

We rejoice because of the wonderful work of your hand

We thank you for life,

for the food of the earth

and clear fresh water

without which there would be no life.

We wonder at the variety and diversity of flora and fauna

and the magnificence of the universe.

We thank you for the mystery of creation:

for its beauty

that we can see,

for the sounds

we can hear,

for the aromas we can smell,

the textures we can feel

and for sweet and sour we can taste.

We thank you for today:

and the opportunities it provides to

experience your presence.

We bless you and praise you

eternal, loving God of life.

Amen. 

Image by Tetyana Kovyrina from Pexels (cropped)