Franklin Graham, who leads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, met with President Zelenskyy in Berlin on Wednesday.

During their discussion, Graham offered prayers for Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and President , asking for divine wisdom to guide them toward peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“I had the privilege of meeting and praying with President Zelenskyy today,” Graham said. “I prayed for President Putin, President Zelenskyy, and President Trump, asking God to grant them wisdom and show them a path to peace.”

The meeting coincided with the European Congress on Evangelism, which drew from 55 countries.

He stressed the difficulty of the situation, saying, “These are very difficult circumstances, and I believe only God can provide a solution.”

Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian assistance provided by Samaritan’s Purse, including aid for Ukrainian children, displaced people, and medical facilities.

“We are very grateful for the strong support from the American people, the White House, and President Trump,” Zelenskyy stated. “Thank you for your prayers and for your help to our people.”

The meeting occurred as Russian military operations in Ukraine have intensified.

Recent reports point to increasing Russian air and ground attacks, with both sides using more drones. Germany has announced plans to assist Ukraine in producing long-range missiles, significantly increasing its support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Zelenskyy has proposed a meeting involving Trump to try and negotiate an end to the conflict.

Graham’s visit coincided with the European Congress on Evangelism, which is being held for the first time in 25 years.

Over 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from across Europe, from Ukraine to the U.K., Sweden to Spain, have gathered in the city where Billy Graham once preached to declare that they are “unashamed of the Gospel,” echoing the words of Romans 1:16.

“There hasn’t been a gathering of this kind since the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s congress in Amsterdam in 2000,” Graham commented. “This is a significant moment for Europe, and a time to boldly proclaim Christ.”

The congress marks a return to the core of BGEA’s global evangelistic mission.

In 1966, Billy Graham held the first World Congress on Evangelism , declaring the city a platform to reach the world with the message of salvation.

More than 20 speakers from 13 nations are participating in the 2025 congress, with worship led by Grammy winner Michael W. Smith, Charity Gayle, and leading Christian artists from across Europe. The event is being translated into 10 languages.

Marc Van de Wouwer, a Belgian evangelist and retired federal investigator, recalled his experience at the 2000 Amsterdam congress.

“At the time, there were very few evangelists in Belgium,” he said. “That event reignited my passion, and now I’m returning to invest in the next generation.”

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