Reflections from USA for UNHCR Staff on One-Year Anniversary of War in Ukraine

As the one-year mark of the war in Ukraine approaches, we’re reminded of the fear, anxiety and uncertainty that many Ukrainians felt in the days and weeks following February 24, 2022. A year later, millions of Ukrainian families have been displaced by war, with many forced to flee their homes within Ukraine or to neighboring countries including Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria and other countries throughout Europe.

Since the beginning of the war, USA for UNHCR’s staff, donors and partners have provided crucial support to UNHCR and its partners, delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection to displaced Ukrainian families. Throughout the past year, our staff worked tirelessly to spread awareness of the Ukraine emergency and raise funding for displaced families—motivated by their passion to help and their dedication to protecting refugees and empowering them with hope. Hear from some of our staff members and their reflections on the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. 

“Every emergency response moment for me is a juxtaposition of emotions. There is something terrible happening in the world, but at the same time, we get to see the compassion and kindness of thousands of people doing what they can to help complete strangers. Both of these things kept me going through the busy days and sometimes late-night work—the sense that I can help those who are forced to flee, and I can help someone else feel a little less helpless in a terrible moment.”

- Seiko Yoshitake, Director, Digital Marketing

“I have worked with humanitarian organizations through many emergency responses, from the Haiti earthquake, to the protracted Syria emergency to famine in South Sudan. I consider myself a seasoned emergency fundraising professional, yet nothing could have prepared me—professionally or personally—for the impact of the emergency in Ukraine.

The private sector response to the emergency in Ukraine was unparalleled. The outpouring of support and compassion helped to fuel many late nights, early mornings and weekends of work—it was work I felt (and still feel) privileged to be doing. On the flip side, with every conversation about and donation to the emergency in Ukraine, I felt I needed to be doing even more to mobilize support for the myriad other emergencies and programs that were not receiving anywhere near the level of public attention of Ukraine.”

- Lacey Stone, Senior Director, Partnerships

“The start of the war in Ukraine brought the most incredible display of compassion and generosity from our community. Our donors stepped up in a historic way. It motivated our team to work harder to be a mode of action for everyone witnessing the war unfolding over the news. Additionally, it gave me the opportunity to take action and help in the face of such devastation. 

As the war continues, we've seen the impact on other already underfunded and devastated communities around the world. I'm more driven than ever to help deliver lifesaving support to refugees everywhere who have been forced from their homes.”

- Olivia Clemmons, Manager, Digital Marketing

“Our community's response to the escalation of conflict in Ukraine was like nothing I've ever seen. The indescribable outpouring of love and compassion for those forced to flee is a powerful testament to the dedication and generosity of USA for UNHCR's supporters. So many caring Americans were introduced to our work through the tragic events, opening their eyes to the breadth of global displacement. It feels like an overwhelming challenge to overcome, but with donors like ours, I believe we will one day achieve our vision—a world without refugees.” 

- Alex Morales, Senior Associate, Donor Care

How can you help? 

A year on since the war in Ukraine began, millions of Ukrainian families continue to be displaced internally or have been forced to flee across borders to neighboring countries. As temperatures drop below freezing during the winter months, Ukrainian families are struggling to secure heating and electricity on top of basic shelter, food and clothes. Your compassionate monthly gift is urgently needed today to help protect and give hope to displaced Ukrainian families.