Updated April 2024
The level of humanitarian need in Ukraine is still staggeringly high. Conflict over the last two years has affected millions of people, claiming lives and homes. Ten million people have been displaced and many are without access to food, water and electricity.
Recent shelling and freezing weather conditions have heightened the suffering for those living amid the conflict. There is a desperate need for warm shelter, clothing, fuel and insulation – and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society is working around the clock to bring hope and support to all those in need.
More than six million people have also fled the country, leaving behind everything they’ve ever known – often including their loved ones. Here in the UK, British Red Cross teams have been on hand to provide support, financial assistance and a friendly, safe place for people to turn to while they rebuild their lives.
To date, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been able to support 18 million people impacted by the crisis.
But the acute needs remain vast, and the longer-term impact is also immense. From the emotional trauma of families being divided or the devastating loss of a loved one, to the destruction of vital infrastructure such as education and healthcare – these are things that will affect people for many years to come.
As the conflict continues, we need your help to support people in Ukraine, as well as those who have been forced to flee to other countries, including the UK.
Please donate to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Why donate to the Red Cross?
The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is the lead humanitarian organisation in Ukraine and - since the onset of this conflict - is being supported by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement with its response.
Two years on, the situation in Ukraine remains incredibly volatile. We can’t be sure what will happen next or where the need will be greatest. But with your help we can be ready to help anyone who is suffering.
Most recently, we've been able to provide:
- healthcare and psychosocial support. Mobile health units are getting vital care to hard-to-reach areas while psychosocial teams are responding to rising mental health emergencies in the wake of new shelling.
- crucial heating stations. Sub-zero temperatures are a critical tipping point for those who are already vulnerable. Running these stations provides life-saving warmth and safety as well as access to hot food, drinks and clean water.
- door-to-door welfare checks. Supporting the most vulnerable and distributing blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits and food parcels in hard-hit communities.
- safe and dignified accommodation. With funding support from the British and Austrian Red Cross, the Ukrainian Red Cross has constructed more than 100 new apartments for people who’ve lost their homes in the conflict.
- power for vital services. Over 872 new generators have been transferred to power the needs of 35 railway stations, 20 hospitals, two water utilities and numerous community centres.
Here in the UK our Red Cross teams have:
- helped 68,000 people arriving from Ukraine, offering support and key information.
answered 83,000 calls to our support line.
- given £3.1 million in emergency financial assistance, helping people to start rebuilding their lives.
- distributed more than 23,000 SIM cards so people can stay in touch with their loved ones.
Your Ukraine donations have achieved so much already. But people are still in need of urgent assistance. We’re also deeply concerned for the thousands of Ukrainian families across the UK who are now facing homelessness.
If you can help us today, please do.
How can my donation help people in Ukraine?
The best way to help people in Ukraine is to donate to our crisis appeal. Your donation could help us provide:
- £10 could provide a hygiene kit to a family of five, giving them supplies to stay healthy for a month.
- £20 could provide five blankets to families taking shelter.
- £30 could provide 3,600 chlorine tablets to ensure that families have access to clean, safe water.
- £100 could provide sleeping mats for 66 people who have been forced from their homes.
- £210 could provide a fully equipped first aid kit, including supplies, to a first aider treating the wounded.
How your donations have helped people from Ukraine: Lyudmyla's story
Lyudmyla, 50, and her 12-year-old daughter lost their home in March 2022 after several shells hit their apartment building. Many of their friends and neighbours were killed. After living with friends in the countryside for a year and a half, they have been offered one of more than 100 new apartments that have been built by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society for those displaced by the conflict.
Their room is equipped with amenities, furniture and appliances. The family received kitchen utensils and food packages. Lyudmyla says she is incredibly grateful, and it will mean that Lyudmyla’s daughter can get to school much more easily.
British Red Cross’ Ukraine country manager, Jeremy Smith, was at the official opening ceremony of the new accommodation, and said: “Safe and dignified housing for families who have been displaced by fighting and air strikes will be important as long as the conflict continues.”
The Ukraine Crisis Appeal will support people in areas currently affected and those potentially affected in the future by the crisis. In the unlikely event that we raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help us prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world. For more information visit https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund.
