Ukraine – a new normal in challenging times
BY DOMINIKA BRODOWSKA
After two and a half years of war, the ongoing suffering in Ukraine gets less and less media attention. However, the reality in the country remains harsh. According to UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, July 2024 was the deadliest month for civilians since October 2022, with more than 300 people killed and many more injured (ReliefWeb).
The Salvation Army is one of the international organisations still present in Ukraine. Eight corps across the country are providing physical, emotional and spiritual support to their communities and thousands of internally displaced people.
Captain Daria Bessmolnaya, an officer in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, explains some of the assistance The Salvation Army provides. “We offer refugees everything what we possibly can,” she says. “The most considerable help was a distribution of food packages, houseware items like towels, and also vouchers so they could purchase what they need. They come to our region with nothing.”
Thanks to the generous support from Salvation Army territories around the world, the Army in Ukraine has been able to distribute 55,000 meals, 48,665 food parcels, 39,301 vouchers and 18,908 hygiene kits since the start of the war.
What does it feel like for a Ukrainian citizen to lead a life in these circumstances?
The stress of regular air raids, lack of sleep and constant problems with household electricity and water supplies have become a kind of new normal. The inflation and cost of living increases faced by many people around the world are even more acute in a country affected by war, and it is estimated that 53 per cent of employed Ukrainians have lost their jobs since the war began (Ukrinform).
Many people, having exhausted their savings, are unable to repair their homes. Life can be especially difficult for the 3.7 million internally displaced people in the country, some of whom, unable to prove their displacement status, cannot access government support (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre).
So far, the projects operated by the Eastern Europe Territory with support from the global Salvation Army have helped more than half a million Ukrainian refugees, both within Ukraine and in the surrounding countries. As well as humanitarian aid, The Salvation Army also provides shelters for displaced people, either making space in Army facilities or by coordinating available places at the premises of partner organisations.
"Please don’t forget about Ukraine and us who stay and serve here to spread God’s love.”
Emotional and spiritual support
Salvation Army officers live alongside their fellow countrymen, holding onto a strong faith in the most challenging of circumstances. “During the dark times we must be a stronger light and shine for others,” says Diana Dyachenko, a cadet from Kyiv Maiak Corps. ‘Through our light and support people are able to see God.”
This emotional and spiritual support plays an important role in daily life in Ukraine. For refugees suffering from the trauma of losing loved ones or the homes they have lived in their whole lives, someone who is willing to simply listen to their stories is a valuable help. “We look for ways to comfort their pain knowing they have been left on their own in these difficult circumstances,” explains Captain Valeria Lukina, a corps officer in Kyiv.
Supporting so many refugees can be emotionally exhausting, and officers describe how they try their best to keep their composure so that people feel looked after. Natalia Rak, a cadet assistant in Lviv Corps, speaks about one of the local church projects for refugees: “We give them a place where they can feel safe, loved and not alone. They know that we care, and their life still matters.” The projects are supported by local volunteers who help to distribute aid. After this first encounter with The Salvation Army, volunteers often go on to become members.
Emergency power
The recent intensification of attacks on energy infrastructure, health facilities and schools continue to disrupt lives. Forty per cent of students take online classes and their education is regularly interrupted by power cuts. Salvation Army officers are also affected by the cuts in electricity supply, with their administrative work and aid distribution constantly interrupted and slowed down. The Salvation Army International Emergency Services are working together with the Eastern Europe Territory to provide power banks and other batteries for their centres in Ukraine so that their local emergency response is not disrupted.
A third summer under bombardment
Summer for most of us is a chance to enjoy the sunshine and rest. For Ukrainians, it is the third summer under bombardment.
“Alarms, drones, explosions disturb our life and our humanitarian response. Children must stay in basements instead of enjoying summer,” explains Natalia Rak.
The Salvation Army organises summer activities to help bring some normality to children’s lives. “We provide kids with scouting camps and workshops,” says Captain Bessmolnaya. “Their parents enjoy seeing their children relaxed. We do workshops with adults as well and give them a lot of directions on how to move around in a new city. We also pray together. All kinds of support are needed when you live in a permanent [state of] stress.”
Looking to the future
When the war finally ends, the people of Ukraine will still need support. The reconstruction of infrastructure will take decades. The Salvation Army will continue to be there for those who need assistance.
Diana Dyachenko from Kyiv has a message for us all: “We want to remind you [to] enjoy your life, family, peaceful sky, warm home and all that God is giving you. Please don’t forget about Ukraine and us who stay and serve here to spread God’s love.”
We shall pray that almighty God will protect them and their families so they can work for his glory, and every act of support is a blessing that will ease the everyday struggles of the people of Ukraine.
Dominika Brodowska is the Ukraine Response Unit Coordinator and Administrator at International Headquarters, London.
