A Ukrainian pastor has told Premier he remains hopeful diplomacy “can really solve the crisis” but knows “only God can stop another bloody page” in Ukraine's history.  

Pastor Victor Kolvich, director at the Ukrainian Center for Christian Cooperation in Kiev, made the remarks as he urged Christians in the UK to pray for his government. 

"[They] need to have wisdom and, as we believers say, from above. God needs to provide it. Secondly, we still believe any kind of tensions, like a coming war, brings people closer to God. So please pray many people will accept the Lord as a personal Saviour, and trust him. 

“As one of our politicians said: ‘If we as a country will kneel before God, then God will let our enemies kneel as well’. 

Explaining how Ukrainians are feeling, Pastor Victor said they “understand war can happen” and remain hopeful diplomacy “can make a difference”.

“We have a lot of groups praying… from children’s prayer groups, youth prayer groups, church prayer groups, different business prayer groups… [they] are all lifting up our prayers to the throne of God."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will step up diplomatic efforts over the Ukraine crisis with a visit to the region next week and a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to avoid bloodshed.

Britain has said it will sanction Russia if it makes any move into Ukraine, and has urged European allies to take similar measures. His government is expected to announce a toughening of its sanctions regime on Monday.