by Kate Forbes, IFRC President
The drive from Warsaw in Poland to Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, takes almost 15 hours. For some, this journey might feel like a trip to a distant land. But Ukraine is not far away—it is at the heart of Europe. What is happening here is not confined to this country or its people; its challenges resonate across the continent and beyond.
As we travel through Ukraine’s small towns and villages, the signs of conflict become unmistakable. Remembrance walls display the faces of fallen soldiers, each photo a testament to a life cut short. Yet the true pain of war is carried by those left behind—the mothers and fathers who have lost their sons, the wives who have lost their husbands, the sisters and brothers who have lost beloved siblings.
Now entering its fourth year, the protracted conflict has left deep scars—on its land and people. The future remains uncertain as conflict and devastation continue to reshape Ukraine’s story. Yet amid the suffering, Ukraine stands as a powerful example of local leadership in humanitarian response. It has also become a symbol of solidarity, as countries and communities in Europe and beyond have opened their doors, extending compassion and care to those displaced.
Ukraine’s crisis has tested the application of humanitarian principles. In a polarized global environment, where narratives often take sides, upholding neutrality and impartiality has become increasingly complex. One of the key lessons from the conflict in Ukraine is that while these principles remain vital, the foundation of all humanitarian action is the principle of humanity.
Humanity—recognizing and responding to suffering simply because it exists. This principle, above all others, defines the true purpose of humanitarian work: saving lives, restoring dignity, and inspiring hope.
Members of a Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response unit taking part in a training exercise for evacuating people with limited mobility from the upper floors of apartment buildings.
Photo: Olha Ivashchenko/IFRC
The spirit of humanity
The Ukrainian Red Cross exemplifies this spirit, adapting to unprecedented challenges and delivering life-saving assistance rooted in local communities. Witnessing their work firsthand, especially in frontline areas, I was reminded of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Against unimaginable odds, they have reinvented themselves, embodying the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian people.
The IFRC network has also demonstrated this spirit of solidarity and compassion, providing critical support to the Ukrainian Red Cross and assisting Ukrainians in neighbouring countries. Across the network, 60 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide have mobilized 2.3 billion CHF to support humanitarian efforts for Ukraine and for people from Ukraine.
Yet, after three years, the challenges remain immense. Millions are still displaced, struggling to rebuild their lives. With savings depleted and the cost-of-living soaring, many have no choice but to return home. But returning is not what it once was—houses, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods have been destroyed. Access to healthcare and education is a daily struggle.
Women playing a crucial role
One aspect of this crisis that is often overlooked is the extraordinary role of women. While men have been fighting on the frontlines, it is women who have held families, communities, and livelihoods together. Millions of women have taken on the immense responsibility of caring for their children, elderly parents, and displaced relatives—often while struggling to earn an income, manage food shortages, and navigate the dangers of this conflict.
Humanitarian actors have worked tirelessly since the escalation of the conflict, yet the scale of need is overwhelming. The nature of the crisis has shifted—from emergency response to long-term recovery—requiring a broader, more strategic approach. Meanwhile, global fatigue and aid cuts, coupled with economic strain on host countries, threaten to overshadow the urgency of Ukraine’s plight.
To address the overwhelming needs of those affected by this crisis, a multidimensional approach is essential - one that goes beyond immediate relief. Recovery must be holistic, integrating sustained humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and political solutions.
Invisible wounds
First and foremost, the protection of civilians must remain at the center of all interventions. Beyond the physical destruction, the war has inflicted deep psychological wounds. Addressing mental health and trauma is as crucial as rebuilding homes and infrastructure. It is easier to reconstruct cities than to heal invisible wounds that, if left unaddressed, may pass from one generation to the next.
Investing in initiatives that restore dignity and support mental well-being is essential to ensuring that Ukraine’s future is not shaped by the unhealed pain of this conflict. Since the escalation of the conflict, our National Red Cross Societies have been providing mental health services in Ukraine and 25 European countries. It is important to continue these services, as the conflict in Ukraine has led to an estimated 15 million people needing mental health and psychosocial support.
Secondly, rebuilding Ukraine requires a vision of inclusion and resilience. This means prioritizing local leadership, investing in education and healthcare, and creating opportunities for different groups, including women. Their role in sustaining Ukraine through this crisis must be recognized—not just in rhetoric, but in policies that prioritize their inclusion in decision-making, economic recovery programs, and long-term peacebuilding efforts. It is critical to foster an environment where Ukrainians lead their own recovery.
Finally, the world must acknowledge the broader geopolitical dimensions of this crisis. Humanitarian actors cannot operate in isolation; their work must be reinforced by diplomatic and political efforts that pave the way for long-term stability and recovery. The challenge now is to sustain humanitarian assistance for millions of people while all eyes suddenly turn to the peace process. The human cost of this conflict cannot be forgotten, and the needs of those affected must not be overshadowed by political negotiations.
As our cars move further from Kyiv, I carry these reflections with me. Ukraine’s locally driven humanitarian response, despite its challenges, is a testament to the power of people’s resilience and solidarity.
