Pray for Russia
The deepest and oldest lake in the world, in Siberia.
Photo: Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Russia
The capital is Moscow. People speak Russian and many minority languages. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Russia
Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
The war in Ukraine goes on. On 11 October US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on energy targets, but Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected the idea, and strikes went on: Ukraine reported Russian attacks on its gas and energy sites, and Ukrainian strikes on data centres in Russia caused service outages. A US envoy met Russian officials on 21 October, and a meeting of Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators is being discussed. Families on every side are grieving.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Russia is a federal republic with a strong presidency. The President is Vladimir Putin and the Prime Minister is Mikhail Mishustin. In the State Duma election of 18 to 20 September 2026, United Russia won 349 of 450 seats. The Yabloko party was removed from the party list ballot by the Supreme Court, and the OSCE was not invited to observe.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
After growth of about 4% in 2024, the economy has cooled sharply. The central bank expects growth of only about 0.5% to 1.5% in 2026 and inflation of about 6% to 7%. It has cut its key rate to 14%, which is still high for families and businesses that need to borrow.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Russia is home to many peoples and faiths across a vast land, from the North Caucasus, Tatarstan and Bashkortostan to Tuva, Kalmykia and Buryatia. The war has brought grief to many families who have lost loved ones. Forty six veterans of the war were elected to the new Duma. People living near the border and in cities hit by drones live with fear.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
About two in three Russians call themselves Orthodox Christians, according to surveys in 2025 and 2026. About one in ten are Muslim, mainly in the North Caucasus, Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, and about one in five say they have no religion. Buddhists are found mainly in Tuva, Kalmykia and Buryatia. Protestants and Catholics are each about 1% or less.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The law limits "missionary activity" without official approval, and groups can be labelled "extremist" or "undesirable". The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recommends that Russia be named a Country of Particular Concern. It reports that about 190 Jehovah's Witnesses were detained or imprisoned in 2025, that hundreds of Muslims remain in prison, and that some unregistered Baptist communities were banned.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
The Soviet years brought deep suffering. About 18 million people passed through the Gulag labour camps, and about 1.6 million died there. In World War II the Soviet Union lost about 27 million people. Many families still carry these wounds.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Russia. We pray for an end to the war in Ukraine, and for comfort for every grieving family in Russia and Ukraine. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to those in authority. Provide for every family as the economy slows and prices rise. Bring peace and protection to the many peoples of this land, and comfort to those who live in fear. Let the light of Jesus shine in every city, village and republic, and draw many hearts to You. Keep believers of every church safe and give them freedom and courage to worship. Heal the deep wounds of the past, and lead Russia in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- WUNC (NPR): Russia hits Ukraine gas facilities after Trump claims energy ceasefire (Oct 2026)
- APA: US, Ukraine and Russia could hold new talks in November (Oct 2026)
- The National Herald (AP): final Duma election results (Sept 2026)
- Wikipedia: 2026 Russian legislative election
- The Star (Reuters): central bank holds key rate at 14% (Sept 2026)
- MarketScreener (Reuters): Sberbank sees economy cooling (Nov 2025)
- Wikipedia: Religion in Russia
- USCIRF Annual Report 2026: Russia (March 2026)
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Russia and pray along.
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