Ukraine: Providing vital humanitarian aid and life-saving explosive risk education near the frontline
The humanitarian situation in many of Ukraine’s frontline communities remains dire, with basic needs still unmet. In response, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, runs comprehensive programmes to assist vulnerable populations in these high-risk areas.
As conflict continues to escalate in eastern and southern Ukraine, thousands of women are left struggling. These women, many of whom are single mothers, elderly, or disabled, are particularly vulnerable to the ongoing conflict. In frontline communities in Kharkiv and Kherson Oblasts, DRC’s Protection teams are distributing dignity kits containing hygiene products, bed linens, and power banks, helping those most in need.
“Every woman has unique needs,” says DRC Protection Team Leader Olha. “It’s essential we take a tailored approach to ensure we meet those needs effectively.”
For many, this is the first aid they’ve received since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Svitlana, an elderly woman from the frontline village of Muzykivka, explains: “No one else has come to help me. I’m grateful that you brought the aid directly to my home—I can hardly walk and would never have been able to carry this box on my own.”
Door-to-door assistance, especially for those with mobility issues, is crucial in ensuring that vital supplies reach those in remote and dangerous areas.
The war has also left behind a lethal legacy—vast areas are littered with unexploded ordnance and landmines. An estimated 156,000 square kilometres of Ukraine remain hazardous, putting civilians at constant risk. While it will take years to clear these explosives, DRC’s Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) teams are helping communities learn how to stay safe.
“Our sessions are tailored to address the specific threats faced by each community, whether it’s unexploded artillery or cluster munitions,” explains Andrii, a DRC EORE Team Leader.
To reinforce the information, the teams distribute printed materials, including colouring books for children. So far, these sessions have reached nearly 7,000 people across three regions, equipping them with knowledge that could save their lives.
As the conflict persists, DRC remains committed to providing essential aid and safety education, offering a lifeline to those living in the shadow of danger.
