Our Workplace Ukraine
The Russian-Ukraine conflict is having devasting consequences for Ukraine’s civilian population and humanitarian needs are expected to rise. The HHF launched an immediate emergency response to the crisis and is working with partners in Poland and Ukraine.
Civilians in Ukraine under attack
Ukraine crisis briefing
Millions of people have been uprooted from their homes in Ukraine and are need of humanitarian assistance, in what has become the largest and fastest displacement crisis since World War II. Of these, over 4.5 million have fled to neighboring countries as refugees and over 7 million people displaced within Ukraine are also in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Many are stranded or are unable to leave Ukraine due to increasing violence, destruction of bridges and roads, as well as lack of resources or information on where to find safety and accommodation.
What caused the current crisis in Ukraine?
On February 24, 2022, Russia deployed its military into neighboring Ukraine. Bombs and shelling continue to escalate, damaging homes, hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure.
Millions of people have now been displaced inside Ukraine or fled to neighboring countries to seek safety.
Ukraine, which became an independent country in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, has been working to forge closer ties with the European Union and with NATO. Russia regards these efforts as an economic and strategic threat to its own security.
This escalation in tensions comes on top of an existing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. In 2014, Russia invaded and then annexed the Crimean Peninsula and began backing pro-Russian separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine. Eight years of fighting have resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 people, forced more than 850,000 people from their homes, and left almost 3 million in need of aid.
What are the main humanitarian challenges in Ukraine?
The Russia-Ukraine conflict may result in humanitarian suffering on a scale beyond what Europe has seen this century. The world is bearing witness to the deaths of innocent civilians, the destruction of vital infrastructure, and massive displacement within Ukraine and beyond.
As the attacks continue, people who remain in Ukraine are enduring the dangers of life under siege, even as they try to cope without adequate water, heat and electricity. Freezing temperatures are making conditions for those seeking shelter in basements and subway stations even more unbearable. And roads and bridges made impassible by bombs and shelling are hindering access to food and other basic necessities.
Millions of people in Ukraine have been uprooted from their homes, among them over 4 million who have fled to neighboring countries. The majority of those on the move are women and children, who are always most at risk of exploitation and abuse during crises.
The war has weakened Ukraine's infrastructure and sent the country's economy into drastic decline. Hospitals and ambulances have been attacked. The Ukrainian health system was already fragile, having been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of throusands of women will give birth in the coming months in Ukraine—many of them without access to critical maternal health care if the crisis continues to shut down essential services.
The HHF experience shows that when people are trapped and health and sanitation facilities are targeted, diseases like cholera spread and preventable deaths skyrocket.
Beyond Ukraine
The war will also have far-reaching humanitarian implications across Europe and the globe, destabilizing the continent, and straining the resources of Ukraine’s neighbors. It will also impact supplies of Ukrainian-grown wheat and other food staples for countries like Yemen, Libya and Lebanon that are already facing acute levels of food insecurity
What are the main humanitarian challenges in Ukraine?
The Russia-Ukraine conflict may result in humanitarian suffering on a scale beyond what Europe has seen this century. The world is bearing witness to the deaths of innocent civilians, the destruction of vital infrastructure, and massive displacement within Ukraine and beyond.
As the attacks continue, people who remain in Ukraine are enduring the dangers of life under siege, even as they try to cope without adequate water, heat and electricity. Freezing temperatures are making conditions for those seeking shelter in basements and subway stations even more unbearable. And roads and bridges made impassible by bombs and shelling are hindering access to food and other basic necessities.
Millions of people in Ukraine have been uprooted from their homes, among them over 4 million who have fled to neighboring countries. The majority of those on the move are women and children, who are always most at risk of exploitation and abuse during crises.
The war has weakened Ukraine's infrastructure and sent the country's economy into drastic decline. Hospitals and ambulances have been attacked. The Ukrainian health system was already fragile, having been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of throusands of women will give birth in the coming months in Ukraine—many of them without access to critical maternal health care if the crisis continues to shut down essential services.
The HHF experience shows that when people are trapped and health and sanitation facilities are targeted, diseases like cholera spread and preventable deaths skyrocket.
What is the situation for refugees from Ukraine?
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has already resulted in one of the largest refugee crises facing the world today as the war continues to force people—most of them women, girls and the elderly—to flee across borders to Poland, Moldova and other European states.
Over 4.5 million refugees have had to leave their homes in Ukraine since February 24, more than 2 million of them seeking safety in Poland.
Huge numbers of people continue to arrive at Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova with only what they can carry. In many places there are long waits to cross and scant facilities waiting for them on the other side, with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight. Urgent needs include food, water, emergency shelter, health care and sanitation facilities, and protection and trauma counseling.
Women and girls, especially those traveling alone, could be at risk of exploitation and abuse, including sexual violence, gender-based violence and trafficking.
How is the HHF helping in Ukraine and Poland?
In Ukraine, we are working with local partners to provide emergency assistance to people displaced from their homes. Our response includes:
We are on the ground in Poland, working through partners to provide support to refugees, families hosting refugees, and government refugee reception centers on the Poland/Ukraine border. Our response includes:
The HHF is also speaking out. Our Policy and Advocacy team works alongside our supporters to fight for policies that deliver real change for people in need of protection. Among the changes we are calling for:
How can I help Ukraine?
Donate
One of the best ways you can help right now is by rushing an emergency donation to help us assist people in crisis in Ukraine and around the world.
Read more reasons to give to the HHF.
By choosing the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) for your holiday giving, you can give families a sense of home—no matter where they are. Donate today to help us reunite families who have been torn apart and support parents who have endured war and persecution to build a new life for their children.
How can I help people in Ukraine?
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