Millions of children in Ukraine are still waiting for the promise of safety and stability
As Ukraine marks four years since the start of the full-scale war, children across the country continue to grow up under the strain of air raid alarms, displacement, power cuts and uncertainty about the future. For many, war has become the backdrop of their entire childhood.
The impact is both immediate and long-term.
“Many children are effectively being excluded from normal childhood experiences and from full participation in education and social life,” says Serhii Lukashov, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine.
Frequent disruptions to electricity, heating, schooling and basic services continue to affect families across the country.
“Emotionally, children are exhausted,” Serhii says. “Many have grown up in a context of continuous uncertainty and fear.”
Winter hardships
Winter conditions have made daily life even harder. Repeated attacks on energy infrastructure have left many families without electricity and heating for extended periods, with children often coming to SOS Children’s Villages centres from cold homes.
Even as children endure burdens no child should ever have to carry, we also witness their resilience.
“The children now are experiencing non-childhood traumas, lots of loss and stress from air raids, but at the same time, they have this incredible ability to recover,” says Inha Palamarchuk, a psychologist with SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine.
Growing needs
More than two million children in Ukraine are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Across the country, an estimated 3.5 million children, around 70% of all children, lack access to basic goods and services. Families continue to face displacement, economic hardship and the psychological toll of prolonged crisis.
Our impact
Since the start of the full-scale war, SOS Children’s Villages has supported more than 600,000 people in Ukraine through large-scale humanitarian assistance delivered in partnership with local organizations. Additionally, around 9,000 Ukrainian refugees have received support through SOS Children’s Villages programs in eight European countries.
166,000 displaced children and families received relief supplies, counselling and psychosocial care.
- 185,000 children and parents received psychological care to help them cope with stress, trauma and loss.
120 child-friendly spaces provided thousands of children a place to play and learn, offering moments of safety and normalcy amid disruption.
- 965 children injured in the war and their families received medical, psychological, and rehabilitative support.
Read Maksym’s story: Hope in Ukraine: A grandmother’s journey to support her grandson
Daily work in extraordinary circumstances
Providing this support means working under constant pressure. Air raid alerts interrupt activities, power outages disrupt daily life, and families often face repeated displacement. Yet support continues.
“For us, it reinforces a clear sense of duty, the responsibility to continue our work for children and families affected by the war, day after day,” Serhii says.
Why your support matters
As the conflict enters its fifth year, the needs of children and families remain immense. Prolonged displacement, disrupted education, and ongoing insecurity continue to shape the daily lives of millions. Recovery will take time and sustained support.
Your support helps ensure that children affected by the war can access care, protection, and stability, even in the most difficult circumstances. It enables us to keep services running, to reach families where they are, and to stand with children as they rebuild their lives. Donate now.
Children dream of a brighter future
Despite everything they have experienced, children in Ukraine remain hopeful for a future shaped by safety, family, and peace.
Watch their videos and hear from them directly.
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With your support, children affected by the war in Ukraine can continue to receive the care and protection they need, today and in the years ahead.