February 24th marks a full year of conflict in Ukraine. View our report to learn more about how The Salvation Army has provided essential supplies and services to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, has a long-standing presence in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Because we are already part of the communities in which we serve, we are on the ground and ready to respond and serve immediately in times of need, especially during the winter months.
As the Ukrainian conflict persists, winter approaches. Vital energy infrastructure and housing have been damaged or destroyed leading to rolling blackouts, and reduced hours of energy supply to residents. Local Salvation Army centers are helping families prepare for the bitterly cold weather by providing basic hygiene, warm meals, Christmas toys, bedding, blankets, cozy clothing, assistance with heating, and emotional and spiritual care.
Sustain Ukrainian Families Beyond Winter
You can help provide essential items to Ukrainian families. Click a tile below to make a donation or choose a custom donation amount.
"Above all, love."
— 1 PETER 4:8
In light of the ongoing crisis, The Salvation Army is providing hope, healing, and comfort to displaced and affected families and individuals. We are serving those impacted and displaced by the ongoing crisis with food, shelter, and spiritual care.
Where it is safe to serve, The Salvation Army officers have pivoted programs to provide food, clothes, blankets, and emotional and spiritual care to those who have been displaced from their homes and are seeking refuge.
Updates from Ukraine & Neighboring Countries
While the number of people leaving Ukraine has reduced and many are looking to return home, local Salvation Army centers continue to provide safe places for refugees and displaced persons to find rest and a warm meal. The extended need for support by responders has prompted the implementation of “care for the carers” to ensure officers and volunteers are supported as they continue to serve.
The Salvation Army in Romania is providing referrals, information regarding employment, education for children and supermarket vouchers to refugees. As of April 7th, 3,054 vouchers have been distributed to 1,889 families.
Stories from Romania:
- Video interview of a father and his children account the story of crossing the border to leave Ukraine
- An interview with IES Team Member, Major Mathison
- Newborn and family found new hope in Italy with assistance from The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army continues to provide clothing, food, laundry services, and emotional & spiritual care. In addition to community rooms and an outdoor playground, a classroom program has been created for Russian-speaking children to continue their education.
The local team has been working on a plan of action in preparation for accommodation, material needs, and emotional support for incoming refugees. An emergency response team consisting of representatives from Slovakia and Czech Republic has commenced and will meet on a regular basis to assess how to provide the best support in response to the crisis.
A sign at the train station near the border of Poland reads “You are safe here,” as refugees are welcomed into the country. Together with the regional officers and corps officers in Warsaw, International Emergency Services were able to bring much needed supplies to a Warsaw reception center to support affected individuals and families. Partnerships such as this are proving key to meeting human needs.
The Salvation Army in Russia responds to the needs of displaced people by providing food, hygiene, and other relief items. To date there are over 60,000 displaced people in the southern part of Russia.
The local team has been working on a plan of action in preparation for accommodation, material needs, and emotional support for incoming refugees. An emergency response team consisting of representatives from Slovakia and Czech Republic has commenced and will meet on a regular basis to assess how to provide the best support in response to the crisis.
The Czech Republic is already home to some 200,000 Ukrainians and therefore anticipates many refugees who will seek support from family and friends in the area. The Salvation Army has available capacity in the existing social services in the Czech Republic and stand ready to provide support.
The Salvation Army is providing medical and social service care to Ukrainian refugees being house on a cruise ship in Rotterdam.
The Salvation Army is providing food parcels, hygiene supplies, clothes, blankets and other assistance in Batumi and Tbilisi.
A recently launched project, The Meeting Point, seeks to assist people who have fled the horrendous conflict and aims to provide practical and essential material needs, assistance and advice in order to provide a pathway for meaningful integration.
In Bern, The Salvation Army operates a civil protection facility for 500 people in addition to the existing refugee shelters
Countless volunteers are providing assistance for more than 500,000 refugees that have crossed the border into Hungary.
Lithuania has seen an uptick in Ukrainian families applying for essential items. The Salvation Army in Klaipeda and Vilnius helps with food and hygiene articles, bedding, supermarket vouchers and clothing vouchers for Salvation Army second-hand shop.
Salvation Army Locations in Ukraine
In the News
Many organizations are stepping up to help Ukraine's citizens - NPR's Morning Edition (4/3/2022)
PR contacts
National media relations are handled by The Salvation Army National Headquarters in Alexandria, VA, and its public relations consultant, Lerma Agency.
All local media are asked to first contact their local Salvation Army representative for all inquiries, including spokesperson requests.
Territorial Press Contacts Local ContactsFor media queries, please contact:
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General Peddle's Prayer
General Brian Peddle, the spiritual leader of The Salvation Army, is calling on the international Salvation Army family to pray for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict unfolding between Russia and Ukraine.
He said, ‘Our service to the Kingdom of God transcends national identity and crosses international borders without prejudice or discrimination. We have officers serving communities in Russia and Ukraine today, and I ask you to pray for them and for those in mourning as this crisis unfolds. We pray for a diplomatic resolution to this conflict and for peace to return swiftly to avoid further loss of life.’General Peddle acknowledged the strain placed on all Salvation Army officers in each country and thanked them for their service.
He said, ‘We are dismayed by the loss of life and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ as they continue to serve their communities.’
