Three Years of War

Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, six million Ukrainians have been forced to flee overseas as refugees and nearly four million people are internally displaced. Dominika Brodowska (Ukraine Response Unit Coordinator, International Headquarters) shares the impact that more than three years of conflict have had and how The Salvation Army is continuing to respond in Ukraine and beyond.

The prolonged duration of the conflict is resulting in tremendous mental health needs, ranging from depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, to insomnia, concentration and memory issues, low self-esteem and problems forming attachments with others amongst others.

The Salvation Army’s corps (churches) in Ukraine are working to create safe spaces for children and adults where their mental, physical, social and spiritual development can be nurtured and supported. Programmes promote community and prevent isolation, and creative projects engage participants with activities to aid trauma processing and integration.

This can be through play, sports activities, Scouts, crafts, cooking, the arts, cultural and recreational activities, art-based workshops and religious activities.

These gatherings provide a supportive environment where people impacted by the war can connect, exchange experiences and acquire strategies to manage stress. This holistic approach tackles psychosocial distress and aims to foster physical health and community cohesion.

The responses vary across different locations within Ukraine and across Europe, with support tailored to meet the specific needs of each community.

Viktoria Moskalenko is a cadet (Salvation Army officer in training) from Dnipro Corps where they are dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing of women by fostering community connections. She says:

Dnipro Corps organises meetings for women, where they study the word of God, learn about the Bible and the history of The Salvation Army, watch films, read poems, engage in handicrafts, share recipes and prepare meals.

The emotional wellbeing of all people in Ukraine, especially those who have relocated from war zones and whose relatives and loved ones are fighting on the front line, has suffered greatly. People live with constant stress and there is so much sorrow, grief and uncertainty. But there are such limited resources to support their emotional recovery.

As followers of Jesus Christ and servants of the church, we strive to create a comfortable and warm atmosphere so women can immerse themselves in a calm and friendly environment.

The meetings allow women to feel part of the community. They share their emotions and receive support and empathy through encouragement and prayer. Often, solutions to problems come from other members of the group. It is an opportunity to focus on beautiful things (poems, films, music) and physical exercise can support and help improve emotional wellbeing.

Many women have found solace and purpose through The Salvation Army after being displaced from their homes. Involvement in community activities and volunteering have provided them with a sense of belonging and an opportunity to support others in similar situations.

Datsyuk was forced to leave Mariupol with her family because her home was destroyed. When she learned about The Salvation Army, she started volunteering. She now attends the women’s club and Bible study and is exploring becoming a Salvation Army church member.

Yuliya was forced to leave Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk, with her family. She says:

I could not stay in an apartment where there are no windows, electricity or water. We moved after my child suffered a concussion. When I learnt about The Salvation Army, I started volunteering.

Now she attends a women’s club and helps in whatever way she can.

Of the almost four million internally displaced people, nearly one million are children. According to UNICEF, the impact of the war on children has been particularly devastating. The war has wiped out three years of schooling, playtime with friends and moments with loved ones. Around 61 per cent of children are experiencing symptoms of stress and related traumas.

Salvation Army corps and their teams, both inside and outside of Ukraine, are working to ensure children feel safe, and they are providing psychological care, after-school and homework clubs, language classes, youth/children’s clubs, camps, excursions and craft workshops. Providing fun and educational classes for children helps protect them from the trauma of war, and art plays an important role in their development and wellbeing.

The Salvation Army in Georgia hosts a programme for Ukrainian children who have settled in the capital city, Tbilisi. The supportive environment at the Army’s centre plays a crucial role in helping them heal and adapt to their new circumstances. One of the new elements that children wanted was the addition of music lessons. A corps member started music lessons, with drums being particularly popular.

15-year-old Katja shared the importance of the group for her: ‘Fleeing from Odesa with my twin sister and mum took four days and was terrifying, especially with my dad still there. The Salvation Army’s afterschool programme at their church in Tbilisi, Georgia, has been a lifeline for me. Playing the drums helps me release my anger and tension; it’s like therapy. The music lessons have brought me great joy and a sense of normalcy. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and the support from The Salvation Army.’

More than 250,000 refugees from Ukraine have sought safety in the United Kingdom. Salvation Army corps and centres across the UK have responded to meet the needs of Ukrainians in their area, including with English language learning, access to employment and housing, or providing safe spaces for the community to meet and celebrate and share their culture and language.

The Salvation Army in Ramsgate supports Ukrainian refugees by addressing their emotional, social and practical needs helping them to recover from trauma, reconnect with their heritage and build fulfilling lives.

English classes enhance essential language skills, build confidence and help improve connections in the local community, whilst clubs for teenagers and older people prevent isolation and provide a space to foster relationships.

Community singing, traditional celebrations and shared meals unite people, strengthening cultural identity and providing comfort through familiar traditions. A Ukrainian school helps children maintain their language, heritage and cultural identity, fostering emotional stability and pride.

Training opportunities, such as barista skills, help refugees gain self-esteem, work experience and a sense of purpose, leading to independence and financial stability. Volunteering with The Salvation Army also offers refugees new meaning and a chance to contribute to the community.

Across Europe, Salvation Army corps are providing vital spaces where refugees can find spiritual support, stay connected to their faith and find comfort in community.

By Dominika Brodowska