Ukraine Update #6

Winter is coming.

Yes, winter is coming. Here’s why we are talking about the upcoming winter prior to the summer solstice:

Our team returned from Ukraine end of last week, and we are grateful for the hugs, support, information, experiences, connections, and encouragements that were exchanged over the course of the last supply run. Especially, as this was our longest trip to date: with two stops in L’viv, a stop in Rivne, journeying to war-wrecked Hostomel', Irpin and Bucha (suburbs of Kyiv), and back.

Pictured: Evacuation route at the outskirts of Kyiv

We drove 3 vans to L’viv—our team was made up of 5 individuals from 3 different countries—and our goal was to bring representatives of civil society together in various locations in Ukraine: members and leaders of churches, humanitarian organisations, educational institutions, and social services. Our big question was: how can we support you beyond the current short-term strategy?

We are not a humanitarian aid organization, though humanitarian aid was most needed since the war’s escalation in February. So, our question is: how can we best inspire and connect Thought Leaders in and for Ukraine?

We will be sharing our answer to that question in the next weeks, but here are our “top five” realisations from the last trip.

Brain Drain

The community leaders and member of civil society in Ukraine, though grateful for the welcome reception of refugees, are worried that their most qualified citizens will leave Ukraine—or won’t return. It is therefore necessary to support qualified, educated individuals to rebuild infrastructure and society in Ukraine.

Pictured: Street signs have been removed to confuse the Russian military

Importance of Work

Many within Ukraine—even those with stable jobs—are unable to support themselves and their families. A large number of individuals we encountered have therefore decided to volunteer at local charities and churches in exchange for food. They told us that there was dignity in working—regardless of the payment.

Local Churches are Invaluable Service Providers

Regardless of denomination, the local parishes and churches have been acting as important community organisers and service providers. A church we visited had helped to evacuate around 4,000 individuals from around Kyiv. A volunteer at the church, who did not consider themselves a Christian, told us that they simply joined the best team for coordinating humanitarian relief. The church services themselves are full, and not only because a member had the foresight to buy a generator two weeks prior to the invasion: new members have joined because the church has been a steadfast light in the darkness.

Pictured: The generator of a local church

Emotional Trauma

Unfortunately, most of the Ukrainian population have seen and experienced horrifying things. We were distraught hearing some of the stories—and knowing that the trauma they are experiencing is still ongoing. They are heroes in their own right and yet dealing with unimaginable emotional burdens. Mental and psychological support will be one of the most important services in the upcoming weeks, months, and years.

Pictured: Burned cars

Winter Is Coming

We met a lovely volunteer, who lived in a nearby apartment at the top of a building block. We could see the plastic planes where the windows should be. “It has no walls, but at least I have a roof over my head,” he told us. Many are currently sleeping outside or with make-shift roofs over their heads: unacceptable conditions for the harsh winters in Ukraine. Throughout conversations, a deep worry was communicated: what will Ukrainians do when the next winter comes?

Pictured on the left: Apartment blocks being rebuilt in Irpin; pictured on the right: a Ukrainian volunteer with his apartment in the background (the top of the building)

As you can see, we are still processing many of the stories and impulses. We are grateful for your support in the last months and will update you again soon.