February 27, 2022 News

Caritas is helping in Ukraine despite ongoing fighting

The security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine is critical. Caritas is helping the war-affected population despite the ongoing fighting. It is helping internally displaced people to secure basic needs - water, food, shelter - and providing psychological support. Caritas Czech Republic has sent the first part of financial aid to Ukraine, and is providing assistance to Ukrainians fleeing to the Czech Republic.

Ongoing aid in Ukraine

"Today (Saturday, 26 February) it is quite quiet in Mariupol. Gunfire can be heard, but the city itself is not under fire. We are providing assistance here and in Zaporozhye, where some of our staff have moved. Food, medicine, water and hygiene supplies are starting to run out," said Rostyslav Spryniuk, director of the Caritas Mariupol.

Donate to Caritas for Ukraine

All 36 local Caritas offices, as well as the main ones in Lviv and Kyiv, remain open and are focusing on the assistance that is most needed in the area. The need for assistance is huge, especially in the East of the country and in Kiev. In places where there is no fighting yet, they are preparing for an influx of refugees. Intensive preparation of food aid, hygiene packages, shelter and psychological assistance is underway. A modular town is being set up in Zaporozhye where fleeing residents will find shelter and basic material assistance.

"We are in contact with our Ukrainian colleagues. On Friday, we sent the first part of the financial aid to Caritas Ukraine so that it would be possible to provide basic needs to the people on the ground. On Monday, there will be a training session on crisis psychological support for Caritas Ukraine staff, which will be led by members of the Fire Rescue Corps," said Evžen Diviš, regional manager of Caritas Czech Republic.

Aid to Ukrainians arriving in the Czech Republic

Caritas is also supporting those who are beginning to arrive in the Czech Republic from Ukraine because of the raging war. Our Ukrainian hotline provides information about accommodation options and helps with interpretation. The number of calls has increased significantly in recent days. The first buses of women and children from Ukraine have arrived in the Czech Republic, and in cooperation with the regional Caritas we are helping them to find accommodation and provide basic necessities for the immediate future.

As a result of the ongoing fighting, the UNHCR estimates that 120 000 people have already left Ukraine, with at least 160 000 internally displaced, and the number is set to grow dramatically. Caritas will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to these people.

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