What is happening in Ukraine?
In February 2022, Ukraine was invaded, resulting in loss of life, separation of family members, loss of homes, belongings, savings and jobs.
UNHCR is present in Chernivtsi, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Uzhhorod and Vinnytsia to provide protection services and assistance to help refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees, war-affected and stateless people access their rights and essential services and find sustainable solutions.
In 2024, Ukraine experienced a surge in major attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure, as well as the advance of Russian armed forces in the east. Consequently, more people were forced to evacuate to safer regions in the country, and flee abroad, leading to growing humanitarian needs among civilians.
Millions of Ukrainians need support in and outside Ukraine.
UNHCR's response in Ukraine
UNHCR is leading and coordinating the Ukraine Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP), with more than 300 partners in 11 countries.
UNHCR continues to adapt its response to the unpredictable and volatile security landscape inside Ukraine – and the scale and pace of the emergency – blending emergency aid, protection, and long-term recovery efforts.
From the very start, UNHCR worked with a focus on solutions, piloting innovative approaches like emergency cash assistance, legal assistance, housing interventions and microgrants to help war-affected people regain independence and contribute even as the war persists.
Stories from Ukraine: Staying hopeful no matter what
6.9 million of refugees from Ukraine are scattered globally, separated from their families, away from their homes, forced to put their lives on pause. However, they remain hopeful of a bright future, celebrating their culture through food, and keeping in touch with their loved ones the way they can.
Get inspired by the stories of Taisia, Anatolii, Viktoria, and Mariia, as they share with you a piece of their journeys and their culture.
Forced to flee Ukraine: Viktoria’s Story
“To protect the children from being affected, we gathered up as many belongings as we could and left. We hadn't even prepared properly and set off into the unknown.”
— Viktoria, a Ukrainian who found safety in Moldova with her two children
Food and cooking: memories from home
For Mariia and her children, food is more than just nourishment—it’s a connection to home. After fleeing the war in Ukraine and finding safety in Australia, she holds onto her heritage through the flavours of her home. One dish that brings comfort and memories is syrnyky, a traditional Ukrainian cheese pancake perfect for breakfast.
In her family, weekends were for pancakes—a tradition where everyone participated. The women prepared the dough and cooked, while the children joyfully decorated. Now, far from home, this simple ritual keeps her connected to life before the war, to the moments spent together as a family in Ukraine. It reminds her of her husband, who remains in Ukraine, fighting in the war.
Try Mariia’s syrnyky recipe and experience a taste of Ukraine’s.
State of funding in Ukraine
As of 31 December 2024, UNHCR’s operations in Ukraine remained funded at 56 per cent.
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