A Christian preacher in Russia is set to face a criminal trial for questioning on social media whether Jesus would support the war in Ukraine.
Eduard Charov, founder of the non-denominational Christian Monastery of Mercy, could face imprisonment or a hefty fine if found guilty.
Charov, a Russian preacher with Orthodox and Pentecostal roots, posted the question "Would Jesus Christ have gone to kill in Ukraine?" online.
He is set to stand trial on charges of discrediting the Russian armed forces and is expecting a prison term. In the meantime, he has been forbidden from leaving his home district or from using a phone or the Internet.
Charov and his wife, Inna, run a shelter for the homeless.
Inna, told the media: “You can sit it out, keep quiet, without attracting the attention of the authorities, but you will still answer to God. You should not fear the judgment of people, but of God.”
Eduard Charov told the Russian media outlet Takiye Dela: "Most likely, it will all end with a prison term for me. I already have a suitcase packed at home. My wife will look after the [homeless] shelter in the meantime. And I will continue to help people in prison. There are people in need everywhere."
Charov also faces other charges for comments on social media where he reportedly called President Putin the Antichrist.
Meanwhile, in occupied Ukraine, a Christian woman is facing up to ten years in prison for comments made during a prayer meeting.
Release International highlighted these incidents as signs of escalating hostility towards Christians, reminiscent of Soviet-era persecution.
Andrew Boyd from Release International told Premier Christian News: "Churches are being closed, forced to re-register, and then the re-registration is denied. There's churches being raided.
"Gas, water, and electricity supplies are being turned off in the churches. That's the reality on the ground for Christians in occupied Ukraine."
In another instance of persecution, Ioann Kurmoyarov was recently released after serving a sentence for criticising Russia's war in Ukraine from a Christian perspective. Additionally, efforts were made to demolish an Orthodox Church whose Archbishop opposed the war, though the court denied the request.
Some have been tortured or killed, while others face legal repercussions for their opposition. Release International is actively supporting Christian workers in these regions, providing aid to vulnerable families and facilitating trauma healing retreats.
The organisation emphasised the urgent need for international awareness and support for persecuted Christians in Russia and Ukraine as they navigate an increasingly hostile environment.