Camilla Jessen
Pastor Mark Burns, once a fierce critic of U.S. aid to Ukraine, now urges full military support.
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Pastor Mark Burns, a spiritual advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump and a former critic of military support for Ukraine, has publicly changed his position following a recent visit to the war-torn country.
Speaking to The Kyiv Independent on April 9, Burns described his trip as a turning point, calling Russia’s actions in Ukraine “pure evil” and urging the U.S. to send more weapons—not just money.
When you hear about the atrocities… it completely changes your perspective,” Burns said. “Supporting Ukraine is what ‘America First’ really means.
Burns, who traveled independently and not as part of any official delegation, said he had been misled by misinformation and “fake news” about Ukraine.
He specifically cited claims that Ukraine had targeted religious groups—accusations he now calls “a blatant lie.”
During his time in Ukraine, Burns met with religious leaders from different faiths and visited several sites of destruction, including Bucha and Irpin, alongside Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman. Both towns were scenes of brutal Russian assaults in the early weeks of the full-scale invasion, with mass graves and destroyed civilian areas still bearing witness to the violence.
Politics fades into the background when you’re on the ground, speaking with people and witnessing the destruction caused by Russia,
Burns described the experience as deeply moving, and said it made clear to him that what Ukrainian soldiers need most are weapons—specifically tanks, F-35 fighter jets, and air defense systems.
He also pointed to the reported destruction of nearly 700 religious sites across Ukraine by Russian forces. His conversations with Ukrainian faith leaders confirmed, he said, the country’s commitment to freedom of worship—directly challenging one of the core claims made by some U.S. conservatives who have questioned aid to Ukraine.
Still Pro-Trump, but With a New Message for Conservatives
While Burns remains a vocal supporter of Trump, he directed his new message to fellow conservatives, especially those who have opposed further U.S. involvement in the conflict.
“I was misled,” he said, and warned others not to fall into the same trap.
Burns emphasized that supporting Ukraine’s fight for survival doesn’t contradict American values or national interest—in fact, he believes the opposite.
“This is a battle between good and evil,” he said.