A Year in My Life: A Ukrainian Teenager Shares Her Story of Surviving War
A 16-year-old girl living in Western Ukraine shares her story of living through war, being apart from her parents and how the conflict has impacted her.
Help Save Children in Ukraine
- One year of war has been a catastrophe for children in Ukraine. They live in constant fear, with no end to the war in sight.
- More than 6 million people in Ukraine remain internally displaced, while over 8 million have fled to neighboring countries as refugees.
- In 2022, Save the Children supported more than 1,095,323 people, including 614,118 children.
More than 27 million people in Ukraine and neighboring countries will need humanitarian assistance this year
Half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure is destroyed, leaving millions without electricity, clean water and heat
More than 4 children a day are killed or injured, and this number is assumed to be a gross underestimate
In 2022, Save the Children supported nearly 1.1 million people, including 614,000 children, across Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Lithuania.
61,986 hygiene kits, containing soap, disinfectant, shampoo and toothbrushes, were distributed
34,770 people received mental health and psychosocial support
1,847 children made friends, played sports, did crafts and practiced languages through our summer camps
83 digital learning spaces, equipt with educational materials to help children access education, were implemented
35,969 famillies were supported with cash transfers
62 child-friendly spaces, where boys and girls can socialize, play, and feel like a children again, were set up
Save the Children has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, delivering essential humanitarian aid to children and their families. Your generous support makes this work possible. Make a donation to the Children's Emergency Fund.
Advocate for Ukraine refugee children and those and displaced in Ukraine by joining our political advocacy arm — Save the Children Advocacy Network's — efforts to send a message to Congress.
Ukraine Crisis: Frequently Asked Questions
Since February 24th, more than 830 children have been injured, and more than 430 children have been killed, according to verified reports. But the actual number is likely to be much higher.
Millions of children are being forced to take shelter underground, as populated areas are still being targeted. Children have spent more than 900 hours hiding in bunkers across the country. The risk to their mental health and the potential for long-term trauma cannot be underestimated.
Explosions in urban centers severely damage residential houses, schools, hospitals, and other civilian objects, impairing access to basic items, healthcare and education.
The war in Ukraine triggered the largest and fastest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War.
Most of the displaced people, both inside and outside of Ukraine, are women and children. Only 10% of refugees from Ukraine are male over the age of 18. More than 8 million refugees from Ukraine have been registered across Europe with the majority fleeing to the EU through EU Member States Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia and 3 million recorded in the Russian Federation.
Around 6.3 million people are currently displaced inside Ukraine, after being forced to flee their homes. Many had to leave in a rush with few possessions, and are still struggling to find accommodation and employment in their new locations, and to access essential services like healthcare or education.
There are reports of children traveling on their own after being sent by family members who were unable to leave Ukraine but wanted their children to be safe from ground attacks and aerial explosions. Others have been separated from their families in the chaos of fleeing their homes. Many are under the age of 14.
Save the Children is working with local authorities to support the establishment of cross-border systems that can quickly identify unaccompanied and separated children and support their care. We know families might become separated because of desperate needs for cash, food and more. Save the Children is providing life-saving assistance so we can support families staying together as they shelter or evacuate.
By joining Team Tomorrow as a monthly donor, your continued support can help make a major difference in the lives and communities of children around the world, including those growing up in conflict zones
Ukraine Crisis Facts:
- Population of Ukraine: 43 million
- People internally displaced by conflict: 6 million
- Schools damanged by bombs and shelling: 3,045
How Your Support Helps:
- People provided with humanitarian aid: 1.1 million
- Cash transfers provided: almost $26 million
- Children educated and empowered: 27,515
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