5 Ways the EU and IOM Are Supporting People in Ukraine

For over a year, Ukrainians have been trapped in a cycle of deadly shelling, nightly aerial bombardment, mass blackouts, critical infrastructure damage and heavy civilian casualties. More than 13 million people have fled their homes since Russia escalated their invasion last February. And even with one of the most challenging winters in the country’s history now behind them, 18 million people still need support and protection. 

As soon as the full-scale war erupted, the European Union mobilized to respond to the widespread suffering and destruction, showing incredible solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Partnering with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – one of the largest humanitarian organizations operating in Ukraine – the EU provides a lifeline to vulnerable people affected by the war who are in dire need of help.  

Here are 5 ways that the EU and IOM are supporting people on the ground in Ukraine. 

1. Delivering essential aid for basic needs

Russian attacks have not spared residential areas and many homes have been left unliveable. EU funds enable IOM mobile teams to lightly repair damaged houses, for example, by replacing broken windows and doors or fixing roofs. More than 5,000 private homes have been made inhabitable again thanks to this partnership and IOM continues to provide assistance to the households in need. To reach even more people with support, the EU and IOM deliver emergency shelter repair kits, enabling families to temporarily fix their own homes.  

Many of those who lost their homes or fled war-torn areas have moved into temporary collective centres for internally displaced people. Hundreds of these centres were set up across the country in previously non-residential buildings like gyms, schools and universities, or in kindergartens and dormitories where people live together in communal spaces. For over a year, IOM mobile teams have been upgrading these centres and adapting them to the needs of their temporary residents – repairing showers and kitchens, constructing accessible ramps and replacing electrical wiring. 

2. Delivering Basic but Essential Aid

Millions of people escaped areas in Ukraine where hostilities escalated with few personal belongings. Most could not carry household items or furniture. To help displaced and war-affected communities close to the frontline, the EU and IOM deliver kitchen sets, winterization and bedding kits, blankets and mattresses, hygiene and baby items. IOM also distributed solid fuel during the cold winter months to families who could not afford to heat their homes.  

Oksana (in the left picture) is from Bakhmut, which was almost completely destroyed and still remains a major flashpoint on the front line in Donetsk Region. Together with her husband, son and grandchild, she found safety in the Vinnytsia Region. 

“We used evacuation transport, and we were allowed to take only two bags with us. When we left, we thought it would be for a month or two, so we took few belongings,” said Oksana. With hundreds of other displaced families living in the host community, she received bedding kits.  

3. Ensuring Access to Safe Water  

Russian attacks on Ukraine have also repeatedly hit critical infrastructure that is providing people with electricity, water, gas and heating supplies. Direct shelling, power surges and massive displacement of consumers inside the country has pushed systems to the brink of disruption. Thousands of people have suffered from cuts to these vital supplies. 

EU funding allows IOM to support public water and wastewater utility companies by providing new equipment and through repair works strengthening their resilience to emergencies. Additionally, IOM delivered mobile boilers and backup generators to ensure the uninterrupted operation of water and wastewater systems, as well as a heating system during blackouts.  

4. Flexible Cash Assistance  

More than 73,000 people received cash assistance from the EU and IOM since March 2022. This flexible kind of humanitarian aid enables people to meet their own individual needs and ensures their independence, while also contributing to the development of the local economy.  

Because of its proximity to the Russian border, Olha was forced to flee her village last year with her two young children. She lost her job when she became displaced and still could not find another, as the unemployment is on rise. The EU and IOM supported her with vital cash assistance. She spent the money on her children, whose eyesight has deteriorated – "doctor’s fees, tests, glasses for both.”  

5. Individual Protection Assistance 

When a displaced person loses their jobs, homes or family members, this disruption to their life as they knew it can leave them exposed to the risks of human trafficking, exploitation or abuse. Many of the displaced population are women with young children, older people and persons living with disabilities. And so, the EU and IOM identify and support the most vulnerable with direct protection assistance such as medical, psychosocial and legal services, temporary accommodation, clothing and shoes and personal hygiene items, among others. Thousands of people have been provided this kind of comprehensive care. 

Sixty-six-year-old Mariia* is taking care of her eight grandchildren. The children suffered psychosocial and physical abuse from their mother who was deprived of parental rights. Mariia receives around EUR 90 of state pension monthly, which is barely enough to buy food and pay for utilities. IOM provided this family with beds, equipment and stationery for online studying, household appliances and other necessary items, as well as psychosocial support.  

As needs in Ukraine are soaring, IOM in partnership with the EU is scaling up support to meet urgent needs of civilians across the country.     

*Name was changed  

This story was written by Alisa Kyrpychova from the IOM Ukraine team 

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