In Ukraine families are torn apart, electricity is patchy and people are desperate for medicine - they need our support

Christian Aid’s Vanessa Maynard shares a glimpse into the devastation in Ukraine a year after the war began, and the vital aid that charities are providing.

It’s been a just over a year since the invasion in Ukraine, and the war has taken, and continues to take, a heavy toll on people. I recently received a text message back from our partner Alyona in Odessa who updates me that her family is temporarily separated but fine and the projects we’ve planned are going ahead. It always strikes me how tirelessly Alyona works amidst all the chaos - a humble reminder of the resilience needed to survive this.

During my last trip a few months ago, we made the six-hour drive from Kyiv to Odessa, passing through fields of bright golden sunflowers. Most of the road signs were covered making things look ambiguous in an attempt by the Ukrainian government to disorient and confuse Russian forces. Reaching the quiet port city, we were greeted by Alyona who was excited to tell me about how the distribution of support packages had gone well. We have been helping displaced families coming from Donestk, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv who were forced to flee their homes.