In Ukraine, more than 17.6 million people already depend on humanitarian aid. Caritas is looking for donors to enable the long-term care of children in protection centers.
It is the second winter of war. And Ukraine continues to be attacked by drones and missiles every day. Authorities have recorded more than 35,000 aerial alerts since the start of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022. And although the war no longer dominates international headlines as it did last year, “the consequences of this war are brutal, the suffering of the population is huge.” According to the director of Caritas Vienna, Klaus Schwertner, people's needs are particularly great in winter. “The country is still a long way from a Christmas miracle in the second winter of the war.”
Schwertner recently visited Zhytomyr, Kiev, Irpin and Butscha with a Caritas team. Even today, there were the strongest drone and missile attacks against the Ukrainian capital in many months. With each passing day of this war of aggression, people's anguish and despair increase, Schwertner said. “There is no escape for the local population.”
Snow and freezing temperatures: without firewood there is no heat. Elisabeth Sellmeier/Caritas Vienna
In Ukraine, more than 17.6 million people already depend on humanitarian aid and the number of internally displaced people is estimated at five million. Caritas coordinates various projects on site, for example people with disabilities receive hospital or mobile care. Firewood, food, meals and sleeping bags are also distributed in remote villages. “We visited child protection centers where something like wartime childhood would be possible,” says Schwertner. And further: “If there is good news at this moment, then it is: we can help and our help reaches many people”. for example, also providing funds from the foreign disaster fund.
Child protection center in Ukraine. Elisabeth Sellmeier/Caritas Vienna
In addition, Caritas is looking for helpers for 2024. Specifically: A monthly donation, the amount of which can be freely selected, will enable long-term care for children in Caritas protection centers. Even with occasional donations, those affected receive firewood, emergency aid packages and hot meals. (ed.)