LVIV, Ukraine—The branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine reports that on June 17, 2014, one Witness in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk was killed when a bomb exploded next to his car. No other Witnesses have been killed or seriously injured as a result of the civil unrest in the country that started a few months ago. However, hundreds of Witnesses have been evacuated from the affected areas of eastern Ukraine. Those displaced are taking refuge with fellow worshippers.

Despite ongoing violence, the Witnesses in Ukraine continue sharing the Bible’s comforting message with their neighbors. During the first half of June 2014, the Witnesses hosted several large, peaceful gatherings in eastern Ukraine, which included Bible-based talks and demonstrations of how to apply the Bible’s advice in everyday situations. Over 5,200 were in attendance. The Witnesses will host some 40 regional conventions in Ukraine and Crimea, which will highlight Biblical statements about a peaceful future under God’s Kingdom. More than 165,000 are expected to attend these events, including 7,500 in Crimea.

Media Contact(s):

International: J. R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel. +1 718 560 5000

Ukraine: Vasyl Kobel, tel. +38 032 240 9323