Ukraine: Caritas warns of growing hardship in the fifth year of war / Resilience of the population remains strong

14,656 civilians were injured or killed in Ukraine last year by Russian attacks, 31 percent more than the previous year. There is no end in sight to the fighting; on the contrary, the massive bombardment of residential areas and energy infrastructure is leading to an intensification of need. Therefore, a worsening of the situation is expected in the fifth year of war.

"The renunciation of basic needs is now shaping the daily lives of people in Ukraine," says Andrea Berardi, Country Director Ukraine at Caritas Switzerland. "Power outages and freezing temperatures are a daily reality for millions of people. At the same time, the ongoing crisis has strengthened social cohesion, and the population is finding new ways to adapt to the emergency."

Ukrainians organize independently within families, communities, or local administrations, sourcing generators, sharing wood stoves, or coordinating neighborhood support. "The resilience of the people is no longer just individual, but communal, pragmatic, and deeply rooted in everyday life."

War doubles poverty rate

According to the United Nations, 10.8 million people in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian aid. The biggest concerns are the cold, lack of running water, inadequate hygiene facilities, and the restricted communication due to constant interruptions of telephone networks and the internet.

The war also exacerbates poverty in Ukraine. According to the World Bank, more than a third of the population has less than the equivalent of 150 Swiss francs per month to live on. Almost twice as many people are affected as before Russia's large-scale invasion.

Balancing emergency aid and long-term perspectives

Although the war has not lost any of its brutality, many people are trying to get on with their lives as best as they can. "The state of emergency has become a sad normality," says Andrea Berardi. The current challenge for humanitarian organizations is not only to respond to acute distress but also to create long-term perspectives.

Caritas Switzerland is responding to this reality with a dual approach: in addition to providing emergency aid, it supports particularly vulnerable population groups in generating their own income. With funding contributions, small businesses can continue their operations, increase productivity, or create new jobs.

Another focus of Caritas Switzerland in 2026 is strengthening the local Caritas network. Volunteers and social workers are on duty daily to alleviate distress. "When power outages in small towns and communities near the front cut off basic supplies, these teams reach elderly people and the chronically ill," says Andrea Berardi. "They bring medication, organize heating options, and ensure no one is forgotten. In regions where public infrastructure repeatedly collapses, this community support network has become an indispensable lifeline."

Since 2022, Caritas Switzerland has supported around 145,000 people in Ukraine with its local partner organizations.

Contact
Niels Jost, Media Spokesperson Caritas Switzerland
medien@caritas.ch
076 233 45 04

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