The declaration of independence in 1991 and the collapse of the Soviet Union were significant moments in Ukraine’s history, whose clear turning point began with the Euromaidan in 2013. Despite the power struggle and Russia’s influence on the presidential elections, Ukraine developed into a modern and democratic country. After the annexation of Crimea in 2014, which was against international law, further escalations by Russia followed, especially with the build-up of armed militias in the eastern Ukrainian Donbass, which fought there with regular Russian troops against the Ukrainian armed forces.

Since then, a 450-kilometre front line separated the eastern Ukrainian industrial region from the rest of Ukraine. On 24 February 2022, a large-scale attack by Russian troops from several directions took place with the aim of overthrowing the Ukrainian government and replacing it with a pro-Russian regime. Blatant human rights violations by the aggressor Russia have since been deplored, including the war of aggression itself, which violated international law, the targeted shelling of civilian targets, various war crimes, arbitrary arrests, torture, rape, abductions and shootings of civilians. Millions of people fled the country as of 24 February 2022, where IGFM is in regular contact with staff and members, providing humanitarian assistance to those in need and those who have fled.

January 2023 – In the midst of flight and destruction, small actions give hope and joy. During the Christmas holidays in January 2023, the IAC ISHR team organised a small miracle programme for children with the support of the German section of IGFM. There were competitions, games and small gifts that will help families during this difficult time (toys, battery-powered lamps, cute craft boxes).

Gifts were distributed to refugee children in the villages of Gogolevo, Ustvitsa, Matyashevka and Mikhailovka (Poltava region), and in the villages of Yareski, Shishaki and Sorochintsy in the same region. The team also distributed gifts in Potashna, Kyiv, and Putivl.