The Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a dramatic escalation of an eight-year conflict, which had been largely confined to the east of the country and precipitated a massive humanitarian crisis.

The invasion was characterized by widespread missile strikes, ground assaults, and significant battles across various regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mariupol. The swift and brutal nature of the invasion led to immediate and severe destruction of infrastructure, widespread displacement of civilians, and a significant loss of life. Millions were forced to flee Ukraine to neighboring host countries on a scale not witnessed in Europe for decades. These massive numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons has resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War. Everything from housing and basic needs to socio-economic inclusion and education in neighboring countries has been difficult and challenging. Hundreds of shelters and refugee centers have been placed within and along the border of Ukraine, providing temporary housing during the initial brutal winter months of the invasion.

The war has also precipitated an economic crisis, significantly affecting family incomes, alongside an energy crisis that has severely impacted the livelihoods and well-being of children and their families. Estimates at the end of 2022 indicated that over 20% of Ukraine’s population had fallen into poverty, approximately 7.1 million people.  Despite the dangers of war and economic challenges, many families have made the decision to return home. As of March 2024, Across the country, more than 3.7 million people are internally displaced, while 4.6 million people have returned to their place of origin, including 1.4 million who have returned to the east and south.  Half of those who have returned to the east or south cited no accessible schools and a quarter cited insufficient public water supply, requiring systematic recovery efforts.

The Ukrainian population is also experiencing a severely limited access to essential services. Over 1,657 healthcare facilities have been reported as damaged or destroyed, leading to fatalities and serious injuries among patients and medical staff, including children, and hindering healthcare access. Access to educational services has been severely affected, with nearly two million students, or half of all students, unable to access full time face-to-face learning. More than 2619 educational institutions have been damaged and 406 destroyed.

Over 2,321 schools across the frontlines have closed for safety reasons, forcing students to rely on online or blended education. To further compound the issue, a recent UNICEF report estimates that children in frontline areas have been forced to spend between 3,000 to 5,000 hours sheltering in basements in the last two years.