When U.S. President Donald Trump paused military aid to Ukraine last month, Pastor Mark Burns—often described as Trump’s "spiritual advisor"—stood behind the decision.
But just weeks later, following a trip to Ukraine, Burns is calling for more U.S. support in the form of tanks, fighter jets, and air defense systems.
“I now believe that supporting Ukraine is America First,” Burns told the Kyiv Independent in an interview on April 9.
Burns’s dramatic change of heart came after he witnessed the horrors of Russia’s invasion firsthand, including a visit to the site of a missile strike in Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people—nine of them children.
“Yesterday, a Russian missile struck Kryvyi Rih, killing 16, including 6 children. A tragic loss of innocent lives,” Burns posted on X on April 6. “The world must condemn this brutality and stand with Ukraine against such terror. Faith is a choice, not a feeling!”
“I was wrong”
Speaking to the Kyiv Independent, Burns acknowledged his previous stance as a vocal opponent of U.S. aid to Ukraine. But everything changed, he said, once he saw the situation on the ground.
“I was in Kyiv. I was in Bucha. I saw the aftermath of the atrocities—innocent people executed. I learned that nearly 700 religious institutions have been deliberately targeted by Russia. Over 20,000 children kidnapped and taken to Russia. Another 1.3 million children are unaccounted for.”
What he saw convinced him that supporting Ukraine is not about politics—it’s about humanity.
“I’ve always stood by President Donald Trump, whom I still believe is the greatest president of my lifetime. But my support for Ukraine isn’t a betrayal of that—it’s a call to all Republicans, conservatives, and Americans who’ve been misled by disinformation about Ukraine.”
He addressed a major misconception head-on.
“Some media said Ukraine hates churches. That’s a lie. I met with spiritual leaders from many denominations while I was in Kyiv—they all affirmed Ukraine protects religious freedom.”
“Seeing the grief, the destroyed lives—it changes you. Politics disappears when you're holding the hand of someone who’s lost a child to a missile strike.”
Burns emphasized that his trip to Ukraine was not sponsored by any group.
“I paid my own way. No one invited me to spread their message. I came away with a message of my own: these are innocent people under attack. And we must support them.”
Speaking out—loud and clear
Burns says he’s now sharing his experience at the highest levels of U.S. government.
“Russia is the aggressor. And I’m proud that President Trump has made it clear he’s furious with Putin. He said he’s ready to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil and go after countries still buying it.”
“If Putin doesn’t come to the table, President Trump won’t hesitate. Russia fears him—and they should. He’s not a man to mess with.”
“Pure evil”
Asked how he would describe Vladimir Putin, Burns didn’t hesitate:
“Evil. Pure evil.”
As a former Army National Guard infantryman, Burns said he understands targeting enemy forces—but not civilians.
“Hospitals, schools, children—there’s no military justification. That’s not war. That’s evil.”
“Ukraine is a sovereign nation. It’s been ruthlessly and relentlessly attacked by a dictator.”
The faith factor
The Kyiv Independent also asked Burns how he reconciles the fact that some U.S. evangelical Christians still support Putin.
“I was lying in a hotel room in Kyiv when the Holy Spirit spoke to me. One of my team posted a video marking the third anniversary of Bucha’s liberation. Someone commented: ‘Sad, but no more money to Ukraine.’”
“I responded: ‘You wouldn’t be saying that if you were here.’”
“The soldiers I met don’t want our money—they want ammunition. They’re defending their homes, like Americans did against the British. Regular people standing up for freedom.”
“I know this may cost me politically, but I don’t care. It’s not about what’s popular. It’s about what’s right.”
“Ukraine’s spirit isn’t broken. They want peace more than anything.”
“My voice is screaming from the mountaintop”
“I’ll speak to anyone who’ll listen—because what God showed me in Ukraine changed my heart. Maybe it’ll change someone else’s.”
“Just like the world rallied around South Africa during Mandela’s time, the world must rally around Ukraine now.”
“My heart breaks for every life lost, and I’m doing everything I can to help end this war.”
Let me know if you want a version that’s shorter, more formal, or styled for a specific platform like a blog or news site.
It please me to know that someone who has close ties with Trump seen first hand what's going on in the Ukraine. Maybe President Trump should make a visit himself to the Ukraine and see with his own eyes what happening there. While you mention they don't want our money, but need the tools of war so they can continue to protect themselves and their homes. My personal thoughts on this is if we and the EUROPEAN Union don't keep them supplied. Putin won't stop at Ukraine. He'll Kee p marching West.
ReplyDeleteIt enlightens my heart and lifts my spirit to read these words of wisdom. Coming from a man of God who has seen first hand the destruction caused by this mad man on innocent people,how could ANY God fearing person not feel the pain Ukraine is experiencing? I only pray that Trump will listen to these words and stop procrastinating about what he will do but at this point,hasn't done anything. TIME TO DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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