UK for UNHCR TV advert: Ukraine emergency
Evacuees board a train at a railway station before fleeing to try to find safety.
The latest fighting in Ukraine is forcing families to flee. Please give now to save lives.
© UK for UNHCR / Ioana Epure
What’s happening in Ukraine?
More than 6 million refugees from Ukraine have now crossed borders to seek safety in neighbouring countries, such as Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova. These numbers continue to rise.
How long has UNHCR been in Ukraine?
UNHCR has been working in Ukraine since 1994 and established a country office the following year in 1995, supporting refugees and asylum-seekers, stateless people, and internally displaced and other conflict-affected persons.
How has conflict in recent years led to displacement in Ukraine?
Since the beginning of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the temporary occupation of Crimea in 2014, UNHCR has provided protection and humanitarian assistance on both sides of the contact line. This includes support for internally displaced people, refugees and stateless people in the country.
Military action in 2022 has forced millions more people in Ukraine to flee their homes. An additional 8 million people have been displaced within Ukraine’s borders.
UNHCR and its teams work in both Government controlled and non-Government controlled areas, and in neighbouring countries, delivering humanitarian assistance such as emergency shelter, winter relief (such as winter clothing and blankets) and psychological support to people in need.
Where are refugees from Ukraine fleeing to?
Neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia have all accepted refugees from Ukraine and are providing refuge, supported by UNHCR teams.
Some 8 million people have been displaced internally within Ukraine and some 13 million people are estimated to be stranded in affected areas or unable to leave due to heightened security risks, destruction of bridges and roads, as well as lack of resources or information on where to find safety and accommodation.
What support does UNHCR deliver?
With teams across Ukraine and in neighbouring countries hosting refugees from Ukraine, UNHCR is providing protection and humanitarian assistance, including emergency shelters, repairs for homes damaged by shelling, emergency cash assistance, and protection such as psychological support.
UNHCR has also provided training for Ukrainian civil society organisations involved in helping to protect refugees and other displaced families.
During the coronavirus pandemic, UNHCR has worked to strengthen the capacity of health and social care providers in Ukraine, as well as advocating for asylum-seekers to have free, equal access to healthcare and vaccination against COVID-19.
How can I learn more about the situation in Ukraine?
To access the latest data and reports on UNHCR’s vital work in Ukraine, please visit the Ukraine Operations portal.
To find out more about UNHCR’s work in Ukraine, please visit UNHCR Ukraine.
Our television appeal is run in collaboration with DTV optimise. Should you wish to donate over the phone you can reach the team on any of the following numbers: 0800 144 5844, 0800 144 5430, 0800 144 5547, 0800 144 5550, 0800 144 5567, 0800 144 5705.