Churches and Church Members Used By Separatists as a “Live Shield”

The Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine continue to use terror tactics as they fight against the Ukrainian government.

Arsen Avokov, Interior Minister of Ukraine, wrote on Sunday that separatist were firing a 120mm mortar they had set right in the yard of a church on the outskirts of Slavyansk.

Why did they do this?

In order to keep the Ukrainian army from firing back at them. But they’re not just firing from the churches they are also keeping their captives in the churches to insure that the Ukrainian army will not fire back.

The Ukrainian army has orders not to fire at peaceful citizens but only to destroy those places where the terrorists are located, this however is very difficult if not impossible to do when the terrorists are insulating themselves with regular citizens.

Pastor Peter Dudnik of Good News Church wrote on Sunday on his Facebook wall.

Right now from the church yard they are shooting with heavy artillery.  Of course they will answer by shooting back. God protect our church which we built for 9 years brick by brick, stone by stone. Protect it please. But it is not for us to tell you what to do. May your will be done!

On her Twitter feed Tatyana Aliferenko also wrote on Sunday from Slaviansk.

Ruvima Pavenko, Alberta Pavenko, Vitya Brodarsky, Vova Velichko -These brothers were abducted during the church service at “Transformation Church”.

So how was your Sunday?