By Kim Tisor, Church Militant - Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary next week... Ukraine has a long-held devotion to Our Blessed Mother and is currently seeking her aid... As war rages in Ukraine, some beleaguered citizens are turning to the Blessed Virgin Mary, protesting while holding up an icon of "the Pokrova" meaning "the cover." Ukraine and our Blessed Mother established a special bond in 1037 when Kyiv's ruler dedicated Ukraine to Mary, giving her the title "Queen of Ukraine."