Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Ukraine as Number of Refugees Tops Five Million

The Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022, has sparked a full-blown refugee crisis, causing terrific and intense human suffering.

According to data provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 5,429,739 refugees have fled Ukraine since the onset of the war.

Most refugees have fled into Poland (2,992,575), while others have escaped into Romania (810,021), Russia (656,381), Hungary (513,848), Moldova (441,437), Slovakia (367,904), and Belarus (25,002).

Photo Credit: UNHCR

UNHCR also predicts that over the course of the war, there will ultimately be 8.3 million refugees who flee Ukraine, or nearly 20% of Ukraine’s entire population.

Filippo Grandi, the current United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, recently tweeted about the suffering inflicted upon refugees by the ongoing war.

5 million people have now fled Ukraine.

They have left behind their homes and families. Many would do anything, and some even risk going back, to see their loved ones.

But every new attack shatters their hopes. Only an end to the war can pave the way for rebuilding their lives.

— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) April 20, 2022

The Daily Citizen reported in March that at the time, over half of Ukraine’s children have been displaced by the war.

UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo said recently at a press conference in Geneva that the organization was implementing a massive relief effort to help the Ukrainian refugees.

“Launching an updated Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRRP) for the Ukraine situation yesterday, UNHCR and partners are seeking US$1.85 billion to support a projected 8.3 million refugees in neighboring countries,” she said.

She added, “Until we see an end to this war, humanitarian needs will continue to grow and displacement will not cease.”

The administration recently asked the U.S. Congress to approve $33 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

According to Fox News, $3 billion of the aid will go to “provide ‘critical resources’ to address food security needs around the globe and will help to purchase high thermal blankets, medical supplies, emergency health kits, safe drinking water and shelter materials for Ukrainians displaced by the war.”

Please continue to pray for those who have fled Ukraine. And pray that God, in his providence, may bring about a quick end to the Russo-Ukrainian war.

In addition, consider donating to parachurch ministries and reputable organizations that provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine and Ukrainians fleeing the country. Your own church or denomination may be involved in outreach to Ukraine, but here are a few other options:

Samaritan’s Purse has many ministry partners inside Ukraine, including a robust outreach through Operation Christmas Child. They are in contact with those in the country to see how we can continue to assist in this volatile situation.

CityServe International helps local churches in Ukraine, Poland and Romania to rescue and dare for Ukrainian refugees.

Send Relief, a Southern Baptist ministry, works with local partners and churches in Ukraine, Poland and twelve other nearby nations to respond to this growing crisis.

Related articles:

5 Ways God Has Answered Prayers in Ukraine

Over Half of Ukraine’s Children Displaced by One Month of War

War in Ukraine Causing Burgeoning Humanitarian Crisis

Goya Foods to Deliver Thousands of Pounds of Food to the Ukrainian People

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