Three Years of War – IM Stands Firm in Ukraine

When the first Russian tanks rolled across the Ukrainian border on 24 February 2022, everything changed. Since then, millions of people have been forced to leave their homes, families have been torn apart, and entire cities have been reduced to rubble.

Yet, amid the darkness of crisis, Ukrainian civil society rose with a strength few could have imagined. Organisations, dedicated individuals, and volunteers stepped in where the state and international efforts fell short. IM was there by their side – and we are still there today.

From Emergency Aid to Long-Term Solutions

IM’s work in Ukraine is based on partnerships. By collaborating with local organisations, we ensure that aid and support reach those who need it most.

In the initial phase of the war, support focused on emergency relief: shelter, food, medicine, and evacuations. But as the months passed, it became clear that the war would not end anytime soon. The focus then shifted towards sustainable solutions – housing, employment, and psychosocial support.

– We support people so they have the conditions to rebuild their lives. We offer training in job searching, project management, and communication, but we also provide psychological support and work to integrate people in vulnerable situations into society, says Mariia Nikitina, who runs IM’s partner organisation Zahyst.

– Children, in particular, suffer from the upheavals, especially those with disabilities. We have therefore developed various educational programmes tailored for children and young people, including English, economics, sex education, and cooking. Our goal is for everyone to feel safe, independent, and able to look to the future with confidence, she adds.

IM also collaborates with the organisation Metalab, which is behind the Co-Haty project. Co-Haty creates sustainable and safe housing solutions for internally displaced persons, with a special focus on women and children. By transforming unused buildings into housing, the project provides both shelter and an opportunity to rebuild life in a new city. Metalab also works on developing creative solutions within education and employment, helping people improve their livelihoods.

Violence Against Women is Increasing

For many women, war means an increased risk of domestic violence, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Many who have fled their homes find themselves in an extremely vulnerable situation, where a lack of security and resources makes them susceptible to exploitation.

IM’s partner D.O.M.48.24 works to provide legal and psychosocial support to women subjected to gender-based violence. By offering safe housing, therapy, and legal counselling, they help women rebuild their lives.

– I work with women who have suffered domestic violence. This can be physical, psychological, or sexual violence. We run a crisis centre for women and girls who have been affected by domestic or gender-based violence, says Julia Knazjuk, a social worker at D.O.M.48.24.

Women who have managed to escape their abusive partners come to the crisis centre. Since Russia launched its invasion, cases have increased.

– Here, they receive psychological support, legal assistance, and help to access safe housing, Julia explains.

By supporting organisations like D.O.M.48.24, IM ensures that women affected by the violence of war are not left alone but receive the help they need to create a safer future.

The Fundraising Continues

IM’s work in Ukraine is far from over. We continue to raise funds to support our partner organisations and the people living in the midst of war. Your donation enables us to finance women’s shelters, create safe housing, and give women and families the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Three years have passed, and the war is still ongoing. But the strength of civil society is greater than ever. Together, we can ensure that those affected not only survive – but also have a future.