Ukraine: Three years of loss

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Within days, deadly missile attacks were being reported in the capital Kyiv and other cities, with thousands of terrified families forced to seek shelter underground.   

By 28 February, over 500,000 people had fled across borders to escape the escalating violence.  

Fast forward three years, and the devastation caused by this ongoing conflict is staggering. The war in Ukraine created the fastest-growing and largest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II.  Over 12,000 Ukrainians have died. And there is no end in sight.

What is happening in Ukraine now?

Ukrainians have endured almost continuous conflict since the invasion began. 

In 2024, aerial attacks intensified in cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Dnipro. People continue to flee their homes in frontline communities, with 3.5 million people internally displaced, and another 6.9 million refugees abroad. 

Recent attacks have destroyed schools, hospitals and energy infrastructure across the country. Many Ukrainian families are sheltering in badly damaged homes or communal shelters, cut off from heat, light and water.      

Countless children are out of school, either studying online or, in some of the most war-affected areas, in underground shelters to avoid frequent air raids. 

Landmines pose ongoing risks to civilian safety, preventing displaced families from returning to their homes. 

Natalia recounts the trauma of 2022

In February 2022, Natalia was on maternity leave from her job as a hairdresser in Odesa when the full-scale invasion began.

“At six in the morning, the bombing and shelling started,” says Natalia. “We heard explosions and people shouting. There were a lot of planes flying low, we heard sirens, shooting and shelling. By three in the afternoon, we decided we had to leave. We saw missiles flying in all directions. We were really scared.” 

Natalia fled to neighbouring Moldova and eventually found safety for herself and her two children at a refugee accommodation centre, supported by UNHCR and its partners. 

While living in Moldova has brought a feeling of safety, many challenges remain.

“It's unclear when all of this will end in Ukraine," says Natalia. "You know, at first I was waiting and I thought we would go back home, that everything would be fine. It's very sad, I miss home. But I understand that we need to live on and move forward. To enroll my child in kindergarten, figure things out."

What is UNHCR doing to support Ukraine?

UNHCR has been on the ground in Ukraine since 1994, supporting the country through many humanitarian challenges including war in 2014. Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, UNHCR has rapidly increased its presence, providing essential humanitarian aid.   

Last year alone, UNHCR and its partners provided assistance to millions of people: 

• Nearly three million people receive food aid  
• 5.8 million people in frontline regions received water, sanitation and hygiene support
• Two million people accessed health and medical services
• Millions more were supported with shelter, education, protection services and cash assistance to meet their urgent needs.

UNHCR is also on the ground in neighbouring countries, helping refugees find safety and helping them access housing, healthcare and education. Dedicated teams are also providing legal counselling, mental health support and other special protection services, including to children at risk.

Ukraine risks becoming a neglected crisis

Despite the massive outpouring of support for Ukraine at the start of the full-scale war, it now risks becoming a forgotten emergency. 

Returning from a visit to the country in January, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, urged supporters to stand with the people of Ukraine: 

“This is not the time to forget the millions of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes and, for too many of them, their country,” said Grandi.

How you can help

Thank you to everyone who has supported Ukraine over the past three years. Your generous gifts have provided life-saving aid to families in desperate need.

However, three years into this full-scale war, millions of people are still in need of urgent support. Your generous gift can provide:

• Emergency cash assistance to help cover basic needs such as food, healthcare, clothing and accommodation
• Safe shelter, warm blankets, mattresses and kitchen supplies
• Psychological support to help families cope with the trauma of war
• Repairs to damaged buildings to help families return home when it is safe to do so
• Protection for the most vulnerable, including children, older people and people with disabilities.

Donate to Ukraine