Franklin Graham, who leads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, had a meeting on Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin.
In their discussion, Graham offered prayers for Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and President Donald Trump. He asked for divine guidance to help find a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I had the honor of meeting President Zelenskyy today and praying with him,” Graham posted on social media. “I lifted up prayers for President Putin, President Zelenskyy, and President Trump, asking God to provide them with wisdom and a path to peace.”
A representative carries the Ukrainian flag during a presentation at the European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
Recent reports indicate escalating Russian air and ground assaults, with increased use of drones by both sides. Germany has announced plans to assist Ukraine in producing long-range missiles, marking a significant deepening of support for Ukraine’s defense industry.
Zelenskyy has proposed a trilateral summit involving Trump and Putin to negotiate an end to the hostilities.
Graham’s visit coincided with the European Congress on Evangelism being held for the first time in 25 years.
From Ukraine to the U.K. and Sweden to Spain, over 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from across Europe have come to the city where Billy Graham once preached to declare that they are “unashamed of the Gospel,” echoing the words of Romans 1:16.
Franklin Graham speaks during the European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
“There hasn’t been a gathering of this kind since the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s congress in Amsterdam in 2000,” Graham said. “What a moment for Europe, and what a time to boldly proclaim Christ.”
The congress marks a return to the roots of BGEA’s global evangelistic mission.
In 1966, Billy Graham held the first World Congress on Evangelism in Berlin, declaring the city a platform to reach the world with the message of salvation.
Marc Van de Wouwer, a Belgian evangelist and retired federal investigator, reflected on his experience at the 2000 Amsterdam congress.
“At the time, there were very few evangelists in Belgium,” he said. “That event reignited my passion, and now I’m coming back to help invest in the next generation.”
