On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military operation on Ukraine.

Over 14 million people have been forced to leave their homes – that’s more than a quarter of Ukraine’s entire population. Of those displaced, about 8 million people have left the country and over 7 million are displaced internally.

Many are unable to leave because of damage to infrastructure like transport and roads, lack of resources like money or vehicles, and the danger of the war around them.

This latest escalation in military action could spark the worst humanitarian crisis Europe has seen in decades.

We must protect people caught up in this rapidly changing crisis. We stand with the UN in calling for peace and the protection of innocent people affected by the crisis in Ukraine and critical basic infrastructure and services.

As the world watches in horror, there are simple things we can do to help Ukraine and families caught up in the crisis.

1. Donate to ShelterBox

ShelterBox is responding to the Ukraine crisis. We are coordinating with trusted partners and other organisations to ensure we help as many people as possible.

We’ll be supporting people both in Ukraine and those who have fled the country.

Together with our partner People in Need, we’re providing mattresses to people living in collective centres in Lviv, Ukraine. We’re also working with ReliefAid to provide shelter kits with tools and rope, high thermal blankets, hygiene kits, solar lights and water carriers to help people survive in damaged buildings.

People who have become refugees in neighbouring countries are on the move and will not be able to carry additional items. So, we’ll be providing high priority items that people can carry with them, like hygiene items and cash.

Donate today to support people affected by the Ukraine crisis and other disasters around the world.

2. Read about what’s happening in Ukraine

This latest escalation in military action comes after eight years of ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. In fact, before the recent escalation, the UN estimated that 2.9 million people in Ukraine were already in need of humanitarian assistance.

Get informed on what is unfolding in Ukraine here.

3. Raise awareness of the situation in Ukraine

Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness on issues you care about. Through sharing relevant and timely information with your friends and family, you can show you support and help people in Ukraine.

One way to do that is to share this post:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ShelterBox : Disaster Relief (@shelterboxuk)

4. Stand with people fleeing their homes in Ukraine and beyond

Sadly, the current crisis in Ukraine is just one out of a handful of crises that are currently unfolding around the world.

Families in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and beyond are fleeing conflict in their countries. Often, they do so by leaving everything behind. We believe that no one should be left homeless after disaster or conflict – no matter where they are.

Read the stories from people fleeing crises and share them with your network.