Three Years of War in Ukraine: A Nation in Crisis and the Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid

From the first days of the war, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been at the forefront of humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine and in countries hosting refugees.

As Ukraine enters its third year of war, the devastating toll on its people and infrastructure is undeniable. The world must not look away—millions of ordinary Ukrainians are in desperate need of humanitarian aid, and their plight must remain at the forefront of global attention even as political events take center stage.

A Nation Displaced

Since the onset of the Russian invasion, around 10.6 million people have been forced from their homes. Many fled in the terrifying early stages of the war, seeking safety within Ukraine or abroad. Today, almost 7 million Ukrainians live as refugees across Europe and beyond, while more than 3.6 million remain internally displaced. The ongoing conflict continues to displace thousands each month, with over 200,000 people evacuated from frontline areas in the east and north in just the last six months.

The Impact of Relentless Attacks

The war has inflicted widespread destruction on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. More than 2.5 million homes—accounting for 13% of the country's total housing stock—have been damaged or destroyed. Critical energy facilities have been targeted, leaving countless families without heat or electricity, especially during the harsh winter months. Schools, hospitals, and vital public services have been reduced to rubble, making daily life increasingly unbearable.

The Will to Return, but Barriers Remain

Despite the hardships, the pull of home remains strong for Ukrainians. Surveys indicate that 60% of refugees hope to return when conditions improve. However, insecurity, destroyed homes, and a lack of job opportunities continue to prevent many from doing so. The need for emergency shelter, employment support, and humanitarian aid will be critical in ensuring a sustainable return and rebuilding process.

UNHCR's Role in Supporting Ukraine

From the first days of the war, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been at the forefront of humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine and in countries hosting refugees. Our teams, along with local partners, provide:

• Emergency shelter kits to help people survive extreme weather conditions.
• Cash assistance to allow displaced families to purchase essential goods.
• Psychosocial support to help individuals cope with the trauma of war.
• Legal aid to restore lost documents and secure compensation for damaged properties.
• Reconstruction support to repair war-damaged homes and communities.

The Road to Recovery

As Ukraine reaches this somber milestone, the path to recovery remains long and uncertain. The destruction is massive, and millions have lost their jobs, schools, communities, and loved ones. The international community must continue to provide unwavering support for both those who remain in Ukraine and those seeking to return.

The war has shattered lives, but hope persists. The killing of civilians, the relentless bombardment, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure must stop. Only then can the process of healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming a future begin.

Now, more than ever, the people of Ukraine need our solidarity and support.