03/08/2026
🇺🇦💙💛 Ukraine Imprisons Five More Jehovah's Witnesses for Following Their Bible-Trained Conscience 🙏
Our hearts are with our dear brothers in Ukraine who continue to endure imprisonment because they have chosen to obey their Bible-trained conscience rather than participate in military service. Their loyalty to Jehovah reminds us of the faith and courage shown by first-century Christians, who remained steadfast despite intense opposition.
Currently, 34 Jehovah's Witnesses are imprisoned in Ukraine as conscientious objectors to military service. Though they have lost their freedom, they have not lost their faith.
Brother Dmytro Kozhemiakin (37)
In late January 2026, a court in the Vinnytsia Region convicted Brother Dmytro Kozhemiakin and sentenced him to one year of probation. Four months later, in April, an appeal court overturned that decision and imposed a three-year prison sentence. On May 26, 2026, Dmytro began serving his sentence.
Despite this difficult trial, Dmytro remains spiritually strong. He shared that the prayers of his brothers and sisters, together with "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding," continue to sustain him.
📖 "And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:7
Brother Liubomyr Tomchuk (47)
On May 28, 2026, a court in the Lviv Region ordered Brother Liubomyr Tomchuk to be detained.
During the hearing, the judge offered to release him on bail under one condition—that he live inside a military facility. Because of his deeply held Bible-trained conscience, Liubomyr respectfully declined the offer and chose to remain faithful to Jehovah.
Reflecting on his experience, he said:
«"I am claustrophobic, so being held in a pretrial detention center was challenging. But I was placed in a cell with another brother, which I saw as a blessing from Jehovah. Experiences like that strengthen my trust in Jehovah, and that trust is helping me to remain steadfast."»
Brothers Mykhailo Hoshii (49) and Bohdan Turushev (30)
On June 3, 2026, a court in the Zakarpattia Region ordered that Brothers Mykhailo Hoshii and Bohdan Turushev be taken into custody. The judge denied bail for both faithful brothers.
Even while facing imprisonment, they continue to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Jehovah and confidence in His promises.
Brother Serhii Bashkirov (58)
On June 8, 2026, authorities transferred Brother Serhii Bashkirov to a prison facility in the Vinnytsia Region.
Earlier, in January, a district court had sentenced him to two years of probation because of his conscientious objection to military service. However, after the government appealed the decision, a higher court increased his sentence to three years in prison.
Before beginning his prison sentence, Serhii shared what has helped him remain calm and faithful:
«"I pray to Jehovah and ask for His help to make the right decisions. He answers by providing clear direction through His Word and organization. Our dear brothers and sisters constantly show loving concern for my family and me. All these things help me to feel calm and to know that I have Jehovah's approval."»
Our Prayers Are With Them
Reading these experiences fills our hearts with both sadness and admiration. These dear brothers have not committed crimes. Their only "offense" is choosing to obey their Bible-trained conscience and remain "no part of the world." Their courage reminds us that loyalty to Jehovah is more precious than personal comfort or freedom.
Jesus foretold that his true followers would face opposition because of their faith.
📖 "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." — John 17:16
📖 "All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." — 2 Timothy 3:12
May we continue to remember Brothers Dmytro Kozhemiakin, Liubomyr Tomchuk, Mykhailo Hoshii, Bohdan Turushev, Serhii Bashkirov, and all 34 of our imprisoned brothers in Ukraine in our heartfelt prayers. May Jehovah watch over them, comfort their families, strengthen them through His holy spirit, and fill them with "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding."
Although prison walls may separate them from their families, nothing can separate them from Jehovah's love. Their steadfast endurance is an encouragement to our entire worldwide brotherhood, and we eagerly look forward to the day when God's Kingdom will end all injustice, persecution, and suffering forever.
❤️ Dear brothers, you are never forgotten. We love you, we pray for you, and we look forward to the day when you will once again worship Jehovah in complete freedom.
