Daria, an internally displaced person spends time with her daughter Oleksandra in the safe environment of a Collective Centre supported by LWF Ukraine. Photo: LWF Ukraine
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine deepens, four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion
(LWI) - Four years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) continues to support people and communities affected by the war, responding to urgent needs, restoring dignity and supporting recovery efforts.
Since the start of the war, over 13,000 civilians have been killed and up to 7 million people have fled the country, while over 10.8 million others inside Ukraine remain in need of humanitarian aid. “This extreme cold winter has been particularly difficult in Ukraine with repeated attacks on energy infrastructure disrupting electricity, heating and water supplies,” said Barnabás Szatmári, LWF Ukraine’s country representative. “More than 3.4 million people remain internally displaced, and communities close to the frontline face ongoing insecurity,” he noted. “In this context, our presence remains essential.”
In the past year alone, LWF has directly supported over 20,000 people affected by the war, many of them internally displaced, elderly, or persons with disabilities. Working together with local partners, LWF has focused on repairing apartments, schools and other community buildings, ensuring safe in-person education for children and providing vital psychosocial support for people deeply affected by the war.
Children celebrate Saint Nicholas Day during an event organized by LWF Ukraine at a Collective Centre. Photo: LWF Ukraine
Mrs. Lina, elderly beneficiary in her bedroom at home, supported through humanitarian assistance provided by LWF Ukraine Photo: LWF Ukraine
Natalya and Varvara, two beneficiaries in their kitchen with fuel briquettes provided as winterization support to ensure safe heating during the cold season. Photo: LWF Ukraine
Over 70 percent of people in Ukraine reported signs of depression, anxiety or severe stress over the past year, according to statistics from the World Health Organization. Through group activities and individual mental health consultations, LWF promotes healing, recovery and resilience building for vulnerable adults and children, as well as for teachers and social workers providing care and support.
Over recent months, LWF has worked with local partners to provide life-saving assistance to internally displaced people and war-affected communities living in frontline areas close to the Russian border. Especially during the cold winter, the rapid provision of emergency shelter kits and firewood was provided to help families stay safe and warm, as well as other priorities such as non-food items and learning kits.
We sincerely thank all of you who continue to pray for us and to keep our church in your heart.
Bishop Pavlo Shvarts of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine
Reflecting on the four-year mark of the conflict in his country, Bishop Pavlo Shvarts, head of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine said: “It is a tragic day for our people and our history.” At the same time, he continued, “we sincerely thank all of you who continue to pray for us and to keep our church in your heart.” Urging people to continue supporting the church’s efforts to keep hope alive in the midst of the conflict, he added: “We are deeply grateful for your open hearts, for your willingness to continue supporting people in Ukraine.”
Earlier in February, LWF President Bishop Henrik Stubkjær and General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt sent a pastoral letter to Bishop Shvarts giving thanks for the “faithful witness” of the church in Ukraine, describing its diaconal work and pastoral care as a “strong witness to the resilience and compassion at the heart of the gospel.” The LWF leaders describedas “reprehensible” Russia’s recent intensification of drone and missile attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, with deliberate attacks on energy infrastructure as temperatures drop to -20°.
In an earlier statement on Ukraine, LWF urged the international community “to act decisively to facilitate negotiations for peace with justice, and to ensure the protection of civilians.” Noting that “the humanitarian crisis is deepening,” while “international funding is shrinking,” the statement insisted that “Russia’s war against Ukraine must stop. International law must be upheld ensuring accountability and guaranteeing the safety of civilians.”
