The Briefing with Albert Mohler

Episode: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Host: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Theme: Cultural Commentary from a Biblical Perspective

Overview

In this episode, Dr. Albert Mohler marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reflecting on its significance from historical, political, and Christian worldview perspectives. He delves into broader civilizational patterns, the realities of war, and the "Christian realism" needed to navigate such crises. Additional segments address the killing of a notorious Mexican drug lord and a controversial legislative debate in Minnesota over youth access to pornography, all interpreted through a biblically informed lens.

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Four Years Later

00:00–30:00

Unthinkable War Returns to Europe

• Mohler opens by emphasizing the gravity of the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the first major European land war since WWII.

  "It was a shocking development. Although those who were watching...knew that the tensions were escalating, it just didn't seem possible that something like this could happen." (00:25)

• He highlights the immense cost:

  • Russia: 1.2 million casualties (as of Dec 2025), 325,000 deaths
  • Ukraine: 500,000-600,000 military casualties, up to 140,000 deaths

• The toll is heavier on Ukraine, given population differences—a "very, very dark anniversary...precisely because it's not over."

Civilizational Patterns and Russian Worldview

• Mohler explains how the conflict is rooted in centuries-old civilizational patterns:

  "When you look at Ukraine, you're looking at contested territory between the east and the West. And that has been true now for a matter of centuries." (06:30)

• Russia sees Ukraine as a necessary "buffer" and part of "Greater Russia," shaped by its history of invasions and autocratic rulers.

• Russian history is long, violent, and distinctly different from American or Western models of governance.

  "We're just talking about an extremely different history. We're looking at a different civilizational pattern. And it's just the case...that Russia has historically seen Ukraine as a part of Greater Russia." (12:16)

Ukraine’s Unexpected Resistance and Identity

• Ukraine’s fierce resistance and emergence of a strong national identity surprise many:

  "One of the shocking things that has come to light over the last four years is the fact that Ukraine has acted and proved itself to be a nation with a defined identity...a very deep strain of Ukrainian patriotism." (13:55)

• The population and infrastructure are devastated; millions displaced, entire families affected.

Christian Realism in a Fallen World

• Mohler urges acknowledgment of a core biblical reality:

  "A biblical worldview also reminds us that at least in this world...the right side doesn't always win. And right now, you have Russia willing to bleed out in terms of its invasion of Ukraine." (19:38)

• He notes Putin’s personal political investment and Russia’s willingness to endure sanctions and pariah status.

• Cites reporting from The Guardian:

  "Ukraine is, and these are the words, exhausted, but not broken. And I think that's a pretty accurate description...But they're not broken." (22:56)

• Concludes that the war is a "game changer" and "wake up call" for the West, with the evil and brokenness of the world on full display.

The Limits of Idealism and Hope in King Jesus

• Mohler introduces the doctrine of "Christian realism":

  "Christian realism means you have to deal with the world as it is. And that means you have to face seriously and honestly the world warped by sin as it is. That's the realism part, and it helps to clarify issues immediately." (27:31)

• He warns against believing that lasting peace or justice is possible in this age, apart from Christ:

  "Christians understand that the ideal is not going to come by any kind of a peace treaty or international agreement. The ideal is only going to come with King Jesus, period." (29:42)

Mexico: The Death of El Mincho and the Enduring Cartel Crisis

30:00–36:30

A Notorious Cartel Leader Killed

• Mohler pivots to the killing of El Mincho, reputed as Mexico’s most dangerous drug lord and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

• Predicts ongoing fallout and violence as criminal syndicates vie for power.

Government vs. Syndicates: Order and Corruption

• Describes how Mexican government is "rivaled by, challenged by...criminal syndicates, criminal gangs."

  "There are entire towns and villages that are effectively under the control of these criminal syndicates." (33:10)

• Notes parallels in world history, from the Russian czars to the Italian mafia, including the infiltration of gangs into political structures.

• Draws a biblical lesson:

  "We understand the difference between order and disorder. We understand that disorder is always fighting to take over order in a fallen, sinful world." (35:30)

• On tracking down El Mincho:

  "This is a story as old as the Old Testament...he had a romantic partner, a woman, and following that woman eventually led law enforcement to the man." (36:10)

Minnesota: Lawmaker Defends Youth Access to Pornography on LGBTQ Grounds

36:31–44:15

Legislative Controversy

• Mohler spotlights a report on Minnesota State Representative Lee Finke, a transgender Democrat, who opposes a bill requiring age-checks on porn sites, arguing it would harm LGBTQ youth seeking "educational" materials.

  "They're almost jubilant...about being able to use these laws to ban young people from accessing content that could be educational if they are queer." (39:30 - Rep. Lee Finke)

• Mohler is incredulous:

  "Every once in a while, there's a disclosive statement made, and I think this is the very reason the mainstream media are staying as far away from the story as they possibly can. It is because it explodes the issue right in front of our face." (40:36)

The Intersectionality Context

• Mohler references the lawmaker’s background and a New York Times story on Finke’s marriage, using it as an example of critical theory and intersectionality at work.

• Concludes with a blunt Christian reaction:

  "I think all sane Christian people would go, wow, that's a mess. Well, yes, it is." (43:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Russian and Ukrainian Losses:

  "325,000 deaths in Ukraine, something like 500,000 to 600,000 military casualties and up to about 140,000 deaths. But we are talking about Russia now having a population that is a multiple of Ukraine." (04:40)

• On Sovereign Patterns:

  "I think Christians do have to understand that there are civilizational patterns that are older than the political map." (08:55)

• On Christian Realism:

  "It is Christian realism to understand in a fallen world, those kind of things are going to happen. That doesn't mean we're satisfied with them. It doesn't mean that we're okay with this." (25:40)

Key Timestamps

• 00:00–12:16: Setting the scene – Russia’s invasion, WWII analogues, civilizational context
• 13:55–19:38: Ukraine’s resistance; emergence of national identity
• 19:38–25:40: The hard truths of Christian realism, Putin’s stakes
• 27:31–29:42: Christian realism vs. idealism, looking to Christ
• 30:00–36:30: Mexican cartel crackdown and implications for order/disorder
• 36:31–44:15: Minnesota legislature debate, intersectionality, and the problem of youth online pornography access

Takeaways

• The Ukraine conflict is not only a geopolitical event, but also a demonstration of enduring civilizational battles, the nature of autocracy, and the cost of war.
• Christian realism, as opposed to naive idealism, must inform engagement with a broken and sinful world.
• The presence and power of criminal syndicates, and the reach of cultural confusion—even in U.S. legislatures—underscore the need for biblical discernment and a hope rooted outside of politics.
• Mohler consistently frames events within a biblical context, calling listeners to realism, prayer, and ultimate trust in King Jesus.