The current conflict in Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 when Russian military forces entered the country from Belarus, Russia and Crimea. Prior to the invasion, there had already been eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian Government forces and Russia-backed separatists.

Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2014. The invasion is the biggest attack on a European country since the Second World War.

It’s estimated that 17.7 million people need humanitarian assistance, making this the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. The U.N. reports over 15,500 confirmed civilian casualties with actual numbers likely being much higher.

It’s reported that more than 7.8 million Ukrainians have left the country as refugees and at least 7 million are internally displaced. This amounts to one-third of the Ukrainian population. Inside Ukraine, millions of people trapped in temporarily occupied territories are unable to meet their basic needs, including access to food, water, medicines, and electricity.

Unfortunately, these numbers are likely to continue to grow. The UNHCR data portal offers the latest statistics.

The most critical needs so far include accompanied evacuations, temporary shelter, the delivery of food and household items to those unable or unwilling to travel, and providing access to information so that people can make informed decisions about their next steps.

Since February 24th, more than 830 children have been injured, and more than 430 children have been killed, according to verified reports. But the actual number is likely to be much higher. Millions of children are being forced to take shelter underground, as populated areas are still being targeted. Children have spent more than 900 hours hiding in bunkers across the country. The risk to their mental health and the potential for long-term trauma cannot be underestimated. Explosions in urban centers severely damage residential houses, schools, hospitals, and other civilian objects, impairing access to basic items, healthcare and education.

The war in Ukraine triggered the largest and fastest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War. Most of the displaced people, both inside and outside of Ukraine, are women and children. Only 10% of refugees from Ukraine are male over the age of 18. More than 8 million refugees from Ukraine have been registered across Europe with the majority fleeing to the EU through EU Member States Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia and 3 million recorded in the Russian Federation.

Around 6.3 million people are currently displaced inside Ukraine, after being forced to flee their homes. Many had to leave in a rush with few possessions, and are still struggling to find accommodation and employment in their new locations, and to access essential services like healthcare or education.

By joining Team Tomorrow as a monthly donor, your continued support can help make a major difference in the lives and communities, including those growing up in conflict zones

Hour For Change is on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding regions, funding and working alongside local organizations that know their communities best. This is done thanks to the direct activities of the project, as well as by encouraging the development of international humanitarian law. Learn more here.