Support Ukraine

People across the country have fled their homes, with tens of thousands having fled to neighboring countries as the conflict increases. The U.N. estimates the wave of refugees could reach 5 million.  

"We are deeply concerned about the escalating conflict across Ukraine and how it will affect children’s wellbeing. World Vision stands with the girls and boys and families impacted by the crisis through this tough and changing time,” said Michael Messenger, President and CEO of World Vision Canada. “At this time, more than 7.5 million children living in Ukraine are at grave risk and we are working with our partners to prepare a humanitarian response. Meanwhile, we hope and pray for a swift resolution."  

What you need to know about Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis  

Explore facts and frequently asked questions about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and learn how to help children and their families. 

Map shows the location of Ukraine, the second largest country in Europe. (Map illustration courtesy Encyclopaedia Britannica)

• Fast facts: Where is Ukraine and what’s the history of this conflict?  

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe (just after Russia) with a landmass slightly smaller than the province of Alberta and a population of about 44 million.  Ukraine declared independence on August 24, 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The country experienced years of political and economic instability and remains among the countries of Europe suffering the most severe health impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. Due to ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, nearly 3 million people already needed humanitarian aid before the February 2022 escalation.  

• What’s the potential impact of the current crisis in Ukraine?  

Intense political, security, and economic challenges have affected Ukraine for the past seven years. The sudden escalation of conflict is not only devastating the lives of Ukrainian children and families but could also create economic disruptions that impact child poverty far beyond Eastern Europe. This conflict threatens regional stability and humanitarian needs are expected to rise sharply.  

• How are children being impacted by the Ukraine crisis?  

Those threatened most by the crisis are the most vulnerable – children. More than 7.5 million children living in Ukraine have been put at grave risk. Displacement of families due to conflict forces children into situations of extreme vulnerability, resulting in mental and emotional stress, the loss of loved ones, interruption in education, and the destruction of homes and family livelihoods.  

• What’s World Vision doing to help families impacted by this crisis?  

World Vision is working in Eastern Europe, where we’re ready to support those affected by this crisis. We assisted 3.2 million people across the Middle East and Eastern Europe last year with emergency response programs and are ready to respond to this crisis well, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable.  

Specifically, we are preparing to support refugees in Romania and developing options for working with partners in Ukraine. We are engaging closely with the U.N. and other partners to closely monitor the unfolding crisis and its potential humanitarian demands. We’re also supporting our offices across the region, including Georgia and Armenia — knowing that the impacts of this crisis, from both a humanitarian and economic perspective, may have a significant ripple effect.  

• How can I help children and families made vulnerable by this crisis?

Pray for peace to be restored quickly and that children and families will be protected from harm 

Give to help provide care and support for children and families who have been forcibly displaced