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Children of Ukraine Crisis

Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital severely damaged by strikes

On 8 July, multiple missiles struck several cities in Ukraine, destroying homes and buildings, including Okhmatdyt Hospital, Ukraine’s largest medical centre for children. Over 150 people have reportedly been killed or injured, with the number of children impacted still unknown.

Nearly two-and-a-half years since the escalation of war in Ukraine, there seems to be no end to the horror that children and their families are forced to endure. Children and hospitals should never be a target and must always be protected.

UNICEF is on the ground responding to immediate needs, providing emergency supplies to Okhmatdyt Hospital and standing ready to assist communities affected by this horrific attack.

Millions of children have been robbed of their childhood as Ukraine marks two years since the war escalated.    

Children in Ukraine have endured two years of war – a war that has impacted every single aspect of their lives. At least 1,860 children have been killed or injured, the true number is likely far higher. Many have lost family members, friends, homes, schools and communities.  

Children continue to face risks to their safety and wellbeing as attacks and fighting continues, especially families living in areas close to the frontline.  

Now is not the time to look away. Ukraine's children need us more than ever. 

Ukraine Crisis

Help make a difference in the lives of children. Donate to UNICEF's ongoing efforts in Ukraine.

Two years on and children are still seeking refuge in basements, bomb shelters and metro stations.  

In Ukraine, children spent the night underground with their parents and pets, seeking refuge in metro stations from the war that continues to rage on around them.  © UNICEF/UNI498555/Filippov

On 2 January 2024, hundreds of children, like seven-year-old Yura, spent the night underground with their parents and pets, seeking refuge in metro stations from the war that continues to rage on around them.  

When Yura heard the alarms, he grabbed a singing parrot – a toy he had received just the day before as a New Year's gift, before going underground, where he slept wrapped in blankets and winter clothes.  

"New Year was nice; we celebrated. I got this bird as a gift, and there was no shelling. But today was loud, and we descended into the metro. I really want to sleep,' says Yura. 

UNICEF has been providing lifesaving support to children and families affected by the war in Ukraine, including access to health care, education, mental health support, water and sanitation and training on how to avoid planted land mines.   

Ukraine Crisis

Help make a difference in the lives of children. Donate to UNICEF's ongoing efforts in Ukraine.

How will my donation help support children in Ukraine?

UNICEF has offices and teams across Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, staying to help children in need. Here's how you could help:  

  • $90 can help provide 18,000 water purification tablets. Each tablet can create up to 5 litres of safe drinking water.
  • $162 can help provide three first aid kits, to help treat injuries.
  • $311 can help provide a School-in-a-Box so 40 children can continue their education.

With a smaller monthly donation, you can make an even bigger impact by giving children in Ukraine the ongoing support needed to rebuild their futures.

Donate to support Ukraine’s children.

$1

    How do we use each dollar donated?

  • 80¢
    on average, 80 cents to every dollar spent for the past three years went directly to helping children in need, including long-term programs, emergency response and community education.
  • 20¢
    on average, 14 cents to every dollar spent for the past three years went to essential fundraising costs that helped us generate more impact for children, 6 cents went to admin costs, such as keeping your personal data safe.

Your gift will support children impacted by this emergency, and crisis around the world. If you choose to donate monthly or should we receive more funds than is needed for this emergency, your gift will support UNICEF's work where the need is greatest. Find out more about our financial management in our annual report.  

The war in Ukraine FAQs

The war in Ukraine has resulted in widespread displacement, limited access to basic necessities such as food, water and healthcare, and a significant increase in child poverty. These conditions have had a devastating impact on the lives and wellbeing of children in Ukraine.

UNICEF has been working to provide aid and support to children affected by the conflict in Ukraine since the start of the war and will continue to support them long after the war has ended as the country rebuilds. This includes providing essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid, as well as supporting programs to help children recover from the trauma of the conflict. 

One of the most effective ways to support UNICEF's efforts in Ukraine is by making a donation. Your contribution will help UNICEF provide critical aid and support to children and families affected by the conflict, inside Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.

UNICEF has been in Ukraine since 1997, delivering for children in need. Since the escalation of the war, our teams have strengthened our presence in Ukraine, working alongside our partners to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance in a constantly changing and volatile situation. 

Thanks to our international community’s incredible support and generous donations, we have provided more than 5 million children with continued access to education. Through the online learning systems UNICEF helped set up during the pandemic, millions of children have resumed their studies. We train teachers, run mobile education teams and build child-friendly spaces in underground shelters. And we have helped the millions of children who've fled to neighbouring countries start at new schools with language classes, learning supplies and assistive devices for children with disabilities.  

We have provided the children of Ukraine with access to safe water, sanitation and healthcare, even after infrastructure was damaged or destroyed. At the beginning of the war, in partnership with UNHCR, we set up Blue Dots; safe spaces along border crossings that provided children and families with critical services to help them with their onward journey. Our psychosocial services offered essential support to over 2.9 million children and caregivers, and our cash assistance programs helped meet the needs of families with children who are most affected by the war. 

Before, during and after emergencies, UNICEF is always there, for every child in need.   

The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted children in the region, including displacement, limited access to basic necessities, increased poverty, and trauma. UNICEF is working to help children recover and overcome these challenges.

Your donation will help UNICEF continue providing critical aid and support to children and families affected by the conflict in Ukraine. This includes delivering essential supplies and supporting programs that allow children to continue their education, have a safe place to live, and recover from trauma. We're also working to provide long-term support to communities.

Looking for other ways to support Ukraine's children?