Give and Take

Ukraine’s burning bridges with Russia, but there’s hope for bridges between Israel and Gaza.

Over the weekend, President Zelenskyy’s forces downed two key Kursk-region bridges to disrupt Russian supply lines, pressed further into Putin’s territory, and reportedly captured 100+ Russian soldiers to replenish its “exchange fund.” Still, Russia’s forces are making their own progress in Ukraine’s east; they’re marching steadily toward Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub for Ukraine. 

Ukraine’s surprise offensive apparently derailed secret talks between the nations to stop targeting energy and power infrastructure, a limited ceasefire that negotiators hoped would lead to a comprehensive one.

Meanwhile, mediators in Qatar are still working on a last-ditch “bridge proposal” to bring Israel and Hamas nearer to a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Friday, President Biden said negotiations were “far from over” but “much, much closer.”

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Verse to consider whether you’re negotiating from a position of strength or weakness… “Now I know that the LORD gives victory to his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories from his right hand. Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm.” 
Psalm 20:6-8 (CSB) (read full passage)