War in Ukraine: Crisis Response Overview

On February 24th, Russian soldiers and tanks crossed Ukraine’s border, while airstrikes and explosives hit targets in major cities. Fleeing the battle zones, millions of refugees poured into neighboring countries, including Slovakia, Poland, Moldova, and Hungary.

Convoy of Hope’s relief workers and global network of partners immediately mounted a massive response effort, meeting human need in eight countries. The first distribution center was established in Lublin, Poland, to serve as a hub for outreach in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Trucks, cargo planes, and ships began delivering dozens of large shipping containers filled with food, medicine, tents, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, and more.

Within hours of the invasion, Convoy’s relief teams reported long lines at grocery stores and gas stations. And, as refugees migrated west, many were forced to sleep in the streets amid the rubble. Churches, cafes, and subway stations were transformed into temporary shelters.

Roads and bridges were destroyed in some areas, but relief supplies continued to be distributed throughout Ukraine. Sometimes they were shipped in trucks, but often supplies were sent in smaller, unmarked vehicles so as not to draw attention.

“Through our years of disaster relief experience,” President Hal Donaldson said, “our teams have learned to adjust to each situation. The bottom line is our teams and partners are getting the job done. People are receiving much-needed help.”

Convoy of Hope is committed to being in the region for the long haul.

When people lose everything, they need to know someone cares.

Convoy of Hope is partnering with organizations to provide food, water, shelter, and more to thousands of Ukrainian refugees who fled the war into Romania. Additionally, food and emergency supplies are being transported across the border into communities within Ukraine. Supplies are being distributed in major cities in Romania, such as Suceava — where Convoy is resourcing a partner’s warehouse.

In Ukraine, supplies are delivered to bordering communities like Chernivtsi and being trucked as far as Kharkiv, one of the epicenters of the war. A 26,000-square-foot distribution center was established in Lublin, Poland. This warehouse is a key resource center for supplies entering Ukraine. Convoy will also support partners operating a second warehouse in Warsaw.

RELIEF PROJECTIONS

President of Convoy of Hope, Hal Donaldson said: “We’ve been working in Europe for more than 20 years, so rest assured Convoy of Hope is committed to staying and serving families displaced from their homes. We are pledging to provide 50 million meals in response to this crisis.

This is a united act of compassion. We owe a special thanks to the corporations that have delivered more than 120 large containers filled with food, medicine, clothing, and emergency supplies — utilizing ships, cargo planes, trucks, and more. In addition, dedicated team members, partners, and volunteers are working tirelessly to deliver supplies to communities throughout Ukraine and provide aid to refugees streaming across multiple borders.

With your support, we will continue to keep hope alive for months and years to come. Thank you for demonstrating kindness and linking arms with the people of Ukraine. May God bless you for caring and giving to people in need.”

“The thing you feel for the first three days [after leaving] is relief. You don’t hear bombing. Your child is safe. But then it passes, and sadness comes — such sadness that you understand [your old] life will never return.”

—Irina, Ukrainian refugee