Remembering Ukraine

As the world marks the somber anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine,  it's crucial to acknowledge that the plight of Ukrainians remains as dire today as it was when the conflict escalated two years ago. For those seeking refuge in the UK, the promise of security has often been replaced by the harsh reality of destitution and homelessness. Instead of finding sanctuary, thousands find themselves locked in a relentless struggle for survival on a day-to-day basis.

Meanwhile, the devastating impact of the conflict continues unabated in Ukraine, with Russian bombardments ravaging cities and blockades crippling vital ports. Two years on, the urgency of the situation cannot be understated. The stark reality is that the crisis in Ukraine is far from over. Lives continue to be upended, communities shattered, and futures remain uncertain.

In the UK alone, nearly 18,000 Ukrainians are currently destitute*, representing almost 8% of those who have sought refuge here. Shockingly, as many as 4,295 individuals have experienced homelessness in the last six months**, with nearly half of them being children. These statistics paint a grim picture of the ongoing struggle faced by Ukrainian refugees, both in the UK and at Ukraine's borders.

At Goods For Good, we simply couldn’t let this anniversary pass without acknowledging the continued need for support. The urgency of our mission to aid those affected by the conflict remains as palpable today as it was two years ago. We urge our community to remember Ukraine not as a distant memory, but as a present reality that demands our continued solidarity and assistance. Let us also reignite Ukraine in people's minds and rally together to continue supporting our efforts, because the need for humanitarian aid and support is as critical as ever, both here in the UK and in Ukraine.  Our report, Remembering Ukraine reflects on the challenges, achievements, and resilience of those we serve. You can read the full report by downloading the PDF below. 

Download the full report

Remembering Ukraine : summary of findings

• The conflict in Ukraine has internally displaced nearly six million people and forced nearly eight million to flee to neighbouring countries, including Moldova and Poland. 
• The UN Human Rights Office recorded nearly nine thousand civilian deaths and over fifteen thousand civilian injuries since Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine on 24th February, 2022
• 67 per cent of hosts in the UK have reported that the cost of living was affecting their ability to host in October 2023
• A total of around 6,200 Ukrainian households to have experienced statutory homelessness between April 2023 and March 2024 (a rise of 13% from the previous financial year).
• The Destitution Survey, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, highlighted that many Ukrainians were experiencing destitution. With two-thirds of Ukrainian respondents qualifying as destitute and half of the Ukrainians using crisis services (that’s 17,600, or 17.6 per cent of all of the sponsored cohort).
• As many as 4,295 individuals have experienced homelessness in the last six months, with nearly half of them being children.

Sources

*Joseph Rowntree's Destitution Survey 
** British Red Cross report, Fearing, fleeing, facing the future: how people displaced by the conflict in Ukraine are finding safety in the UK