A Priest’s Plea: A Call to Action for Ukraine’s Children

In a heartfelt and urgent appeal, Rev. Jason Charron, a priest who prayed over Donald Trump moments before the former president’s near-assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year, has called on Trump to act as a "shield" for thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. Charron, the pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, and a father of seven, wrote a letter to Trump, urging him to take immediate action to protect these children and return them to their families. The letter, obtained by The Post, underscores the moral and humanitarian imperative of addressing this crisis amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

A Divine Intervention: The Priest’s Perspective

Charron’s letter begins with a personal reflection on the events of July 13, 2024, when he led the invocation at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He recalls how the collective prayers of the audience served as a "shield" for Trump, protecting him from the assassin’s bullets. Just minutes after the benediction, gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, shooting eight rounds into the audience in an apparent attempt on Trump’s life. Charron believes that Trump’s survival was a divine intervention, stating, "You were saved by God for a reason." He implores Trump to use this second chance to make a historic impact by saving the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been forcefully taken from their homes and transported to Russian territory.

The Scale of the Crisis: Ukraine’s Stolen Children

The plight of Ukraine’s children has become one of the most devastating consequences of the ongoing war. According to Ukrainian estimates, over 19,000 children have been taken from their families and brought to Russia since the conflict began three years ago. Reports indicate that many of these children are being sent to military training camps or "re-education" centers, where they are subjected to indoctrination and forced to assimilate into Russian culture. The United Nations has condemned these actions as war crimes, calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to immediately release the children and return them to their families.

Charron emphasizes that the international community must prioritize the safety and well-being of these children in any negotiations or peace agreements. He criticizes the current focus on economic and geopolitical interests, such as mineral resources, and argues that Ukraine’s most valuable resource—its children—should be at the forefront of any peace talks. "No one is advocating that this resource be put at the front of a negotiated peace," he said in an interview with The Post.

A Call to Trump: Be a Shield for Ukraine’s Children

Charron’s letter to Trump is both a personal appeal and a moral mandate. He urges the former president to reject any peace agreement that allows Russia to keep the kidnapped children, stating, "Do not accept a peace that surrenders these children to Russia’s wicked designs." Charron questions Russia’s motives, pointing out that the kidnapping of children and the brutal treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war reveal a far more sinister intent than merely preventing Ukraine from joining NATO. He warns that Russia’s goal is nothing less than the destruction of the Ukrainian people, who dare to look West for freedom and democracy.

Charron’s plea is not just a call to action but also a deeply personal one. As a father of seven and a spiritual leader, he is acutely aware of the pain and suffering that the separation of these children from their families has caused. He describes the situation as a moment of moral clarity, where the world must stand up against evil and fight for justice.

The Path Forward: Diplomacy and Moral Courage

While the path forward is uncertain, there are signs that Trump may be open to addressing the issue. In a recent radio interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade, Trump expressed willingness to discuss the kidnapped children with Putin in a future conversation, though he acknowledged that he was not fully informed about the situation until recently. Charron’s letter serves as a reminder that this crisis requires immediate attention and bold action.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Trump expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House to discuss a potential mineral resources deal. However, Charron and others argue that no economic or political agreement should come at the expense of Ukraine’s children. The meeting between Trump and Putin, which has yet to be scheduled, will be a critical opportunity for the international community to demand accountability and push for the safe return of these children. The White House has not yet responded to inquiries about how it plans to address this issue.

Conclusion: A Moral Imperative for the World

Rev. Jason Charron’s letter to Donald Trump is more than just a plea; it is a call to conscience for the world. The kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russia is not only a violation of international law but also a profound moral failing that demands a global response. Charron’s urging to Trump to be a "shield" for these children resonates far beyond the political arena, speaking to the hearts of all who believe in justice, compassion, and the inherent value of human life.

As the international community grapples with the complexities of this conflict, the plight of Ukraine’s children must never be forgotten. Their story is a reminder that, even in the darkest moments of war and oppression, there is always hope for redemption and restoration. But this hope requires bold action, moral courage, and a commitment to standing up for what is right. The world watches as leaders like Trump and Putin decide whether to prioritize power and politics or to become champions for the most vulnerable among us. The fate of Ukraine’s children hangs in the balance, and the time to act is now.