Four years on, Ukrainian civilians are more at risk of serious harm

Four years on, when Ukrainians thought peace would have returned, communities are still suffering the brutal effects of war. They’ve had to instead adapt to a prolonged, high-intensity conflict.  

Not only is the war still ongoing, but civilians are now even more at risk of being injured or killed. Civilian areas are being increasingly hit by drones and missiles fired outside the frontlines.  

Daily life is severely interrupted. Millions of people are displaced and are in need of permanent accommodation; with temperatures reaching minus 20 degrees Celsius, the cold is being weaponised as there are repeated strikes on heating and water; there are regular power-cuts as electricity systems are targeted; children’s education is affected as teachers are having to switch between in-person and remote learning; and families are still sleeping in shelters to protect their lives.  

Tetiana Stawnychy, President of Caritas Ukraine, has led Caritas Ukraine throughout the war. In 2022, not long after the Russian invasion, she visited SCIAF in Glasgow. Her visit left a lasting imprint on SCIAF staff. Calmly but emotionally, she spoke of how Caritas is providing a lifeline for the people of her homeland and of the power of prayer and spiritual healing in times of hardship. 

Back in 2022, Tetiana told us: 

"Nobody really believed the invasion would happen, but we planned ahead, plugging into our local networks. This meant that when war did start, we didn’t miss a beat. 

"We’ve been working with people who have lost everything. And they immediately felt the embrace of Caritas. People who have been through such trauma don’t just need food and shelter, they need kindness; they need a kind hand. And that’s where we come in." 

She spoke of the word ‘Caritas’ and how it means love, and how through her work, she was able to see the transformative effect that compassionate actions and words have on others. 

Now, years later, Tetiana still calls for prayers. She said: 

“Collective prayer is a source of strength for many communities.” 

Don’t forget the people of Ukraine. Please remember them in your prayers.