Four years of full-scale war in Ukraine

February marks four years since the full-scale war in Ukraine began. Four years of violence and destruction. Four years of homes shattered and families torn apart. Four years of children growing up with uncertainty as a constant companion.

Through it all, one thing has remained steady: the compassion of supporters like you.

As winter grips Ukraine, you’re helping families survive relentless attacks in dangerous, sub-zero temperatures.

Relief items: Helping Ukrainians stay warm through winter

Valentyna, 72, has lived in the same village in Kherson her whole life. Her house, almost a century old, is in disrepair. Conditions in winter are almost unbearable. Despite the challenges, Valentyna doesn’t want to leave her precious home and garden.

“This house holds all my memories,” says Valentyna. “But it has become harder to keep it warm.”

With the help of donors, Valentyna received a heater and a home insulation kit in time for winter. These kits are common in Ukraine and include basic items to keep out wind, rain and snow.

“I am very grateful,” says Valentyna. “With this support, I feel more secure for the winter.”

Shelter repairs: Making damaged homes safe again

When shelling destroyed the energy infrastructure in their hometown, Olena and Kostiantyn were forced to leave and move to Kharkiv city. Their only option was to stay in their son’s apartment, which had been left empty since he and his family fled the war.

“When we arrived in autumn, all the windows in the apartment were damaged,” says Olena. “Pigeons were living there. Every day we hear drones, so we take shelter behind two walls. We live on the eighth floor, and we are not young anymore, so we can’t run up and down every time.”

With shattered windows and doors letting in the cold, it was difficult for Olena and Kostiantyn to stay warm. UNHCR repaired the apartment, helping make the space safer and warmer through the winter months.

“Now it’s more comfortable,” says Olena. “With the new windows, we are able to stay warm.”

Cash assistance: Giving families flexibility and dignity

Ievhenia lives alone in Hlukhiv, near Ukraine’s border with Russia. Despite ongoing hostilities and evacuation orders in the area, she chose to remain in her home.

Like many people living near the frontline, Ievhenia faces rising energy costs and long power outages during winter. Living on a small pension, it has become harder for her to afford heating as everyday expenses continue to rise.

“The war made my financial situation very precarious,” says Ievhenia. “I live alone and can rely only on my pension, which means I can only afford the most essential items.”

With cash assistance from UNHCR, Ievhenia is able to buy enough firewood to keep her home warm, even during electricity cuts.

“For pensioners like me who have very little income, this assistance is indispensable,” says Ievhenia. “Without it, I would need to cut spending on medicine or food just to stay warm.”

The difference your support makes

As the war enters its fifth year, Ukrainians are exhausted and traumatised. More than 14,000 people have been killed, including babies and pensioners, and almost 10 million people remain displaced, unable to return home safely.

Because of your kindness, people like Valentyna, Olena and Ievhenia are not facing the war alone.

You can help more Ukrainians find safety and warmth when the need it most.