Franklin Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, offering prayers for peace amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine while bringing together religious leaders from across Europe.

At a Glance

• Franklin Graham and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met in Berlin during the European Congress on Evangelism
• Graham prayed for Zelenskyy, Russian President Putin, and former President Trump, seeking divine guidance for peace
• Over 1,000 Christian leaders from 55 countries gathered at the congress, the first of its kind in 25 years
• Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for humanitarian aid from Samaritan’s Purse and support from the American people
• The meeting occurred amid intensified Russian military action in Ukraine and Germany’s plans to assist Ukraine

A Spiritual Approach to War and Peace

Franklin Graham, president of both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin during a significant gathering of Christian leaders. The meeting took place against the backdrop of the European Congress on Evangelism, where Graham addressed more than 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from 55 countries. The congress marks the first major evangelistic gathering of its kind in Europe in 25 years, continuing the legacy of Billy Graham’s global mission that began with the first World Congress on Evangelism in Berlin in 1966.

During their meeting, Graham took a spiritual approach to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that divine intervention is necessary to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war. This perspective reflects Graham’s consistent message that lasting peace requires more than political solutions. The timing of this meeting is particularly significant as it comes amid intensified Russian military actions in Ukraine and Germany’s plans to assist Ukraine in producing long-range missiles to defend against these escalations.

Prayers for All Leaders Involved

In a remarkable display of his commitment to peace through prayer, Graham did not limit his spiritual entreaties to just the Ukrainian leader. He extended his prayers to include Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, asking for divine wisdom to guide all parties toward a peaceful resolution. This approach underscores Graham’s belief that a solution to the conflict requires cooperation and divine guidance for all leaders involved, regardless of their position in the conflict.

Graham further elaborated on his spiritual mission during the meeting, saying, “Today I had the privilege to meet with President Zelenskyy and have prayer with him. I prayed for President Putin, I prayed for him [Zelenskyy], and I prayed for President Trump — that God would give them wisdom and that God would give them a path forward for peace.” This statement reflects Graham’s conviction that spiritual guidance is essential for resolving international conflicts and that prayer can influence the decisions of world leaders.

Humanitarian Aid and International Support

During the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by Samaritan’s Purse, the international relief organization led by Graham. The Ukrainian president specifically highlighted the organization’s support for Ukrainian children and hospitals during the ongoing conflict. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of humanitarian assistance in mitigating the impact of war on vulnerable populations and supporting essential services in conflict zones.

Zelenskyy also acknowledged the broader support from the American people, the White House, and former President Trump. The Ukrainian leader has proposed a trilateral summit with Trump and Putin to negotiate an end to hostilities, indicating his willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions even as the conflict intensifies. The European Congress on Evangelism serves as a platform not only for spiritual leadership but also for highlighting the ongoing humanitarian needs in Ukraine and fostering international support for peace initiatives.

A Historic Gathering for European Christianity

The European Congress on Evangelism represents a significant moment for Christianity in Europe, bringing together diverse voices from across the continent and beyond. With more than 20 speakers from 13 nations participating and worship led by notable Christian artists, the event serves as a unifying force in a time of division. The congress is being translated into 10 languages, enabling broad participation and ensuring that its message reaches across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

For Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the congress represents a return to their roots and a continuation of Billy Graham’s global vision. The original World Congress on Evangelism in Berlin in 1966 established a precedent for bringing together religious leaders to address global challenges through a Christian perspective. Nearly six decades later, this gathering demonstrates the enduring relevance of that vision, particularly in times of international conflict when spiritual leadership can offer hope and promote peace.