‘A ministry of presence:’ Ukrainian native returns from ninth trip to serve as war zone chaplain

Irina, a city worker in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, sweeps the street after a Russian bombardment. “With each sweep I am removing the enemy from my city,” she told volunteer chaplain Mikhail Pavenko, who was visiting from Vancouver in May. (Contributed by Mikhail Pavenko)

Mikhail Pavenko with his uncle, Victor Pavenko, who is a pastor at The Good News Church in the city of Kramatorsk, Ukraine. Ukrainians fleeing the war and Russian occupation receive clothing, food and direction at churches like this one, Pavenko said. (Contributed by Mikhail Pavenko)

Mikhail Pavenko, left, with soldiers of the First Separate Marine Battalion of Ukraine. “I carry an American flag with me to Ukraine on all of my rotations,” Pavenko said. “The people of Ukraine are incredibly thankful to the American people for their support.” (Contributed by Mikhail Pavenko)

The city of Kramatorsk, Ukraine, after a Russian bombardment May 19. (Contributed by Mikhail Pavenko)

A road in Sloviansk, Ukraine, which is about 10 miles from the front lines. Most local roads are covered with anti-drone netting, but civilians are afraid to drive anyway, Vancouver volunteer Mikhail Pavenko said. (Photos contributed by Mikhail Pavenko)

Mikhail Pavenko of Vancouver poses atop a T-72 tank with Ukraine’s 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade. The tank is surrounded by anti-drone netting. (Contributed by Mikhail Pavenko)

During his May trip, Mikhail Pavenko placed in Kyiv’s central town square a portrait of Andrew Webber of Seattle, an American military veteran who volunteered to fight in Ukraine and died in combat in 2023. “I know his mother personally,” Pavenko said. “This meant a lot to her.” (Photos by contributed by Mikhail Pavenko)