Christians in the UK are being urged to continue pray for peace in Ukraine as tensions at the Ukrainian-Russian border continue to rise.

Western world leaders have warned a Russian invasion of Ukraine is imminent, something the Kremlin has denied.

Christ Church parish is an Anglican church in Kiev with a congregation of between 10 and 22 people which has been meeting in the German Lutheran Church in the city centre since 2001.

It was born out of a small prayer group.

Speaking to the Church of England in the UK, churchwarden Christina Laschenko-Stafiychuk said: “I would like to thank to all our friends from the Anglican Communion who wrote and called us during last few days to express their support and solidarity in prayer.

“There are too many to mention by name, but just to mention some congregations from across the UK, Brussels, and in Moscow.

“Our thanks also to the Diocese in Europe and the Canterbury Cathedral Garden Congregation for their special prayers for a peaceful settlement in the last week.”

Churchwarden Christina added that despite the tensions, they continue to meet regularly.

“Ukrainians have no other options: this is our land, and we are ready to stand for it – and for our identity as well.”

“Of course, we are scared. But we are better prepared than eight years ago,” she added.

When asked about how Christians from the Anglican Communion could be praying for the situation, Churchwarden Christina said: “Please pray for peace for Ukraine and Eastern and Central Europe.”

The church is supported by the Diocese of Europe and is working towards having a permanent priest.