Staunch hope amid conflict: humanitarian resilience in war‑torn Ukraine

Today marks the two-year anniversary since Russia commenced a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Regrettably, there's no hint that the armed conflict will cease anytime soon. Despite monumental difficulties, Volodymyr Zelensky's nation persists and courageously contends for its territory.

Ukrainians still require immediate assistance. It's facilitated by, among others, the Polish Humanitarian Action, which has been active in Ukraine for a decade. At present, several hundred individuals are employed within the PAH's structure in Ukraine.

"Within the initial days post-February 24, we arranged cross-border deliveries of food and hygiene supplies. Gradually, we initiated further efforts in a variety of sectors. The solidarity demonstrated by the Polish people enabled us to establish, for example, numerous Psychosocial Support Centres where one can also receive financial or legal aid," explains Helena Krajewska.

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"Recently, we embarked on a project encompassing agriculture and the dairy industry. We facilitate house rebuilds and renovations, and also fund community care workers for the elderly," she adds.

Vitaliy from the village of Rusaniw in the Chernihiv region is one of the many who've benefitted from PAH's support, particularly his mother.

"My mother's house was demolished entirely. Nothing could be salvaged; it was situated directly on the frontline. Soldiers were omnipresent in the meadow in front of us. Ammunition and rockets were soaring in every direction. The soldiers were extremely close and stayed here for a prolonged period, throughout the winter," reminisces Vitaliy.

The man explains that his mother had to escape as soon as the onslaught began. "She had no place to reside. Currently, she's in the hospital. The war has taken a tremendous toll on us. She lives in constant fear. The uncertainty is unbearable for all of us. Explosions occur incessantly," he highlights.

PAH built a modular house for his mother. "The accommodation is warm, which is crucial for elderly and sick individuals. Considering the house, it's easier for us to plan for winter. Despite the circumstances, I remain positive. Life must go on. War or not, I find solace in the little things," Vitaliy concludes.

Another Ukraine resident that received assistance from PAH is Olga Ezau, who inhabits the Red Valley in the Mykolayiv region with her husband.

"Although her house wasn't destroyed and her family didn't evacuate the village, Olga undertook the task of caring for the farms and houses of 15 neighbours who fled due to consistent shelling. Despite her meagre finances, she selflessly tended to their cows, chickens, and horses," the PAH spokesperson describes to o2.pl.

From PAH, the Ukrainian woman received not only psychological support but also firewood for the winter. Power outages continue in her village, so this firewood has been essential for heating the house, cooking, or heating water.

While the number of Ukrainians in immediate need of aid has marginally declined, the necessity remains vast. "In the past few weeks, several citizens have returned to Ukraine. This creates entirely new challenges. They require support to reconstruct their former lives, businesses, houses, and farms. Children and teenagers especially need considerable psychological backing as they grapple with trauma. PAH addresses each of these problems," says Helena Krajewska.

People in Poland who are interested in providing financial help to the Ukrainians can do so at the following websites: https://www.pah.org.pl/centrum-info-ua/ or https://www.siepomaga.pl/pah-ukraina.