Catholic agencies call for continued support as Ukraine marks three years in the shadow of war

Ukraine remains in the midst of Europe’s largest post–World War II humanitarian crisis as it marks three years since Russia’s invasion.

United Nations Refugee Agency figures show nearly four million Ukrainians are internally displaced as a result of the conflict, and nearly seven million are refugees in neighbouring countries and beyond.

Catholic humanitarian agencies, including Caritas and Jesuit organisations, continue to play a crucial role in delivering aid and services to the more than 12 million people the UN says need humanitarian assistance.

Our commitment to accompanying those forcibly displaced remains as steady as the first day.

Jesuit Mission Australia and the Xavier Network say they have been supporting partner organisation Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe to provide emergency shelter, education and psycho-social support to tens of thousands of refugees in Poland, Moldova and Romania.

JRS Europe regional director Fr Alberto Ares SJ says the Jesuits are with Ukrainians for the long haul.

‘As another grim milestone passes and some decision-makers waver in their support, our commitment to accompanying those forcibly displaced remains as steady as the first day,’ he said.

‘Even in a context marked by pain and uncertainty, we see daily examples of solidarity and integration—people extending a helping hand and walking together.’

‘It is difficult for us to face this alone,’ the director of Caritas-Spes Ukraine, Fr Vyacheslav Grynevych, says.

Since the invasion on 24 February 2022, tens of thousands of Caritas staff and volunteers have worked inside Ukraine to deliver urgent assistance with shelter, food, water and sanitation, along with legal, medical and other support.

Fr Grynevych says Ukrainians are determined to rebuild, but the war continues to devastate the country, while international humanitarian funding is decreasing.

‘We fear being left alone in the shadow of war, so we appeal to the international community to continue supporting Ukraine,’ he says.

‘Together we can work towards rebuilding and achieving peace in Ukraine.’

Caritas agencies are also working on early recovery and development initiatives to help people regain employment and become self-sufficient and rebuild stronger inter-community support.

Even in the darkest times, hope persists.

Caritas Australia says its Ukraine Crisis Appeal has supported local partners in Ukraine since 2022.

‘The work of our partners in Ukraine underscores the importance of local Church networks, with their ability to be there before, during and after a crisis,’ Caritas Australia humanitarian manager Sally Thomas said.

Among the millions affected by the war is 10-year-old Nadja and her grandmother Natalia, who have found refuge in Moldova while Nadja’s parents remained behind.

‘My daughter told me, “Go to Moldova; you’ll be safe there. We’ll stay here to defend our home, and you’ll come back when it’s all over”, said Natalia.

The pair live in a Jesuit-run shelter in eastern Moldova, where—like Caritas in Ukraine—the Jesuit Refugee Service is adapting to what it calls the evolving needs of displaced people, looking at long-term programs for those unable to go home yet.

As the war enters its fourth year, it is clear the need for humanitarian support is greater than ever.

‘Even in the darkest times, hope persists,’ says Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission Australia.

‘We see it in every refugee who finds a new home, a new job, a new future—made possible by the generosity of those Australian supporters who have stood alongside the Ukrainians during this time.’