Ukraine: The Breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine is Europe’s second-largest country. It has a rich history, great food, and people with a survival spirit. Ukraine was once a breadbasket of Europe because it produced 25 percent of all agricultural output in the former Soviet Union. For Ukrainians, bread was always a symbol of well-being and prosperity; it was considered a gift from God. 

There is a common ancient tradition in Ukraine where a guest is offered bread and salt as part of a welcome ceremony. The guest breaks off a small piece, dips it into the salt, and bows his head in thanks before eating the bread. The significance of bread also is reflected in the Ukrainian national flag, which is blue on the top and yellow on the bottom. The blue stands for the sky, and the yellow is the symbol of the many wheat fields.

While Ukraine has great, fertile lands, it is a shock to realize that almost four million Ukrainians died because of а genocide caused by a man-made famine initiated at the order of Communist leader Joseph Stalin’s regime.[1] Bread became the main symbol of life when millions were starved to death. Ukrainians survived and faced another national disaster sadly known as Chernobyl, the world’s worst nuclear power plant disaster. It caused disastrous pollution over the agricultural lands, affecting the health of the whole nation. 

National independence brought peace and stability, but from 2014 to present day, Ukraine struggles because of conflict with Russia, which violates its territorial integrity. The cost of a loaf of bread has become the marker of economic downturn.

Bread often symbolizes life and prosperity. Jesus also called Himself the Bread of Life, using this metaphor so people would realize that He is the only source of life. People often struggle to obtain an abundance of food and meaning in life. But the greatest need of every nation is not physical or economic wealth, but rather spiritual prosperity. Jesus says:

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

—John 6:35 

For many years, God, by His grace, has been at work restoring the Ukrainian nation—restoring the land and restoring the hearts of people. During the years since its declaration of independence from Soviet control in 1991. Ukraine displays incredible religious freedom despite the many years it endured Soviet atheist propaganda. God is challenging Ukrainian Christians, and all Christians, to be the light of the world by spreading the good news.

Prayer Request 

Pray for Ukraine and the world to seek God as the only way to satisfy their spiritual hunger—to treat God’s Word as their daily bread, the only source of life.

   

[1] Patrick J. Kiger, “How Joseph Stalin Starved Millions in the Ukrainian Famine,” A&E Television Networks, LLC, April 16, 2019, https://www.history.com/news/ukrainian-famine-stalin.