The Ukraine Crisis Explained

THE UKRAINE CRISIS EXPLAINED

LEARN ABOUT THE CURRENT CRISIS IN UKRAINE, WHO IS AFFECTED, AND KEY FACTS.

Brutal conflict in Ukraine has left millions of people with no safe place to call home. Innocent civilians are being killed, families and lives are being torn apart.

Now, one year after the start of the war, almost 18 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

ShelterBox is giving people thermal blankets, clothing, and emergency repair kits. These items will help people fix damaged roofs, seal windows and doors, keep the heat in and make homes watertight.

But, many people are still living in damaged buildings with limited supplies. As the conflict continues on, we need your help to continue responding.

Watch our exclusive webinar briefing on the difference your support has made in Ukraine over the past year and what’s next for our response.

HOW IS SHELTERBOX HELPING?

ShelterBox has helped more than 50,000 people affected by the war in Ukraine so far. We’ve supported people displaced within Ukraine, as well as refugees who crossed the border into Moldova.

People are living in damaged homes without heating or lighting. That’s why we’re providing thermal clothing, solar lights, water carriers and stoves with our new partner, NNLPD.

We’re also working with ReliefAid and Green Chernobyl to provide emergency shelter repair kits. This will help people fix damaged roofs, seal windows and doors, keep the heat in and make homes watertight.

Lyudmyla received thermal blankets, tarpaulin to repair her roof, a solar light and a shovel and pick axe to help clear the debris.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

1. Millions of people in eastern Ukraine have been severely affected by an ongoing conflict that began in 2014 when Crimea was annexed from Ukraine.

2. Before the recent escalation in conflict, the UN estimated that 2.9 million people in Ukraine were already in need of humanitarian assistance.

3. According to the UN Refugee Agency, before the latest increase in violence, nearly 1.5 million people were internally displaced within Ukraine, with half being over the age of 60 – making it one of the ‘oldest’ crises in the world.

4. Since 2014, Ukraine has been the target of multiple cyber-attacks, some resulting in devastating power blackouts affecting thousands of people.

5. Winter temperatures fall as low as -8 °C (about 18 °F) in Ukraine, causing even more challenges for people caught up in the conflict.

We are deeply concerned for families in Ukraine fleeing their homes in below freezing temperatures. That is why we stand with the UN in calling for peace and the protection of civilians affected by the crisis in Ukraine and critical basic infrastructure and services.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Open all

Can I donate clothing and other items to Ukraine?

We’re not accepting the donation of clothing or other items for people affected by the crisis in Ukraine.

All the life-saving tools and equipment we provide are sourced from trusted suppliers and go through rigorous testing to ensure that they can survive in the extreme environments that we work in.

It’s also important that the aid we distribute is standardized. Doing so ensures that families receive aid of the same quality and value.

There are also many import restrictions in place that govern what we can and can’t bring into a country.

Given the scale of the situation in and around Ukraine there are many people that wish to help. There is a real concern that donated items may strain the logistical journey of tried and tested aid items.

The best way to support families right now is to make a donation to our Ukraine appeal.

What are some of the economic effects of this crisis?

Ukraine is home to some of the richest soils in Europe. It is famous for its fields of wheat, barley, oats, corn and other grains.

In fact, Russia and Ukraine export about a quarter of the world’s wheat and half of its sunflower products.

The conflict could send global food prices soaring. This is particularly concerning for some of the countries we’re working in, like Yemen and Syria who are already facing high levels of food insecurity.

Is this the start of a humanitarian crisis?

The recent escalation of conflict is increasing existing humanitarian needs in the country.

In a matter of weeks, thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed in Ukraine. Innocent civilians are being killed, families and lives are being torn apart.

Moreover, many people are fleeing their homes to seek safety, with the UN predicting as many as 12 million refugees.

The UN is also reporting that the Ukraine crisis is the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since the second World War.

ShelterBox USA President, Kerri Murray, says:

“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian impact of the crisis in Eastern Europe. Reports of civilians fleeing their homes on foot and by car are heart-wrenching, and the situation appears likely to get worse as military action escalates. According to the U.N., more than half a million people have fled Ukraine since Russian forces invaded the country. We are closely monitoring the situation to determine if and how ShelterBox can support the emergency shelter and household needs in this fast-moving crisis.”

FAMILIES URGENTLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Help provide life-saving aid to families affected by the Ukraine crisis.

Donations to Ukraine Crisis will provide direct support to all costs associated with our response within Ukraine and neighboring countries, including but not limited to: lifesaving equipment, response teams, transportation, and collaboration with local or international partners. Any additional money raised will help in other countries where ShelterBox provides emergency shelter.

You can use our form or one of the other methods below:

DONOR-ADVISED FUND | IRA| FUNDS AND SECURITIES TRANSFER| QR CODE

PO BOX: 5055 Santa Barbara, CA 93150

Explore More

Make an Impact

Whatever skills, knowledge or time you have to volunteer, you can play a vital part in this process. All we need is your passion.

News

Get the latest updates from the field and discover where we’re supporting communities around the world in the aftermath of natural disaster and conflict.

About ShelterBox

ShelterBox is a global organization made up of people who believe in shelter as a human right. No family without shelter when disaster strikes.

Ukraine Crisis Explained