Intro: Volunteering in Ukraine
Intro: Volunteering in Ukraine
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More than three years since Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine remains a country at war, with frontlines still active and civilian areas under threat. While many are fatigued from the prolonged conflict, both local and international volunteer communities continue to grow — not because it’s easy, but because they refuse to give up. Across Ukraine and beyond, people are finding ways to contribute, rebuild, and support those affected. Maybe you too have wondered: what can I do?
In the following articles, we introduce some of the many volunteering projects currently active in Ukraine. But before that, here are a few general guidelines on what to do and just as importantly, what not to do if you're thinking about volunteering in Ukraine.
First of all: Prepare with Realistic Expectations
Volunteering in Ukraine is deeply meaningful work — but it also requires serious preparation and self-awareness. Before you pack your bags take time to assess your capacity to support yourself. Even if a project offers housing or meals, conditions can change quickly. You must be financially independent enough to manage unexpected situations, such as sudden relocation, illness, or project disruptions.
Equally important is being mentally and physically prepared for the demands of the
project you wish to join. Volunteering in a war-affected country is not the time to test your own limits for the first time. Be honest with yourself: what kind of work are you truly fit for? And where can your help be most valuable?
This brings us to the next essential point: do not become a burden — neither for the local communities, nor for the professionals and seasoned volunteers working under already intense conditions. You are there to support their work, not to require extra care, resources, or supervision. Being useful starts with being self-sufficient and informed.
Volunteers prepare camouflage netting for Ukrainian soldiers<br>
Don’t have a background in medicine, military service, logistics, crisis coordination, or similar high-intensity skills?
That’s completely fine. There are many grassroots-level initiatives, particularly in safer regions in Western Ukraine, where extra hands are always welcome. These include tasks like preparing camouflage netting, working in volunteer-run kitchens, helping in shelters for displaced animals, or supporting programs for children and families. Many of these roles, though not as visible as frontline efforts, are absolutely essential.
There is not a surplus of volunteers in Ukraine. If you come with a clear, responsible mindset and genuine motivation to help, your contribution will be both valued and appreciated. But unfortunately, as with any prolonged crisis, Ukraine has also attracted individuals with questionable motives — people whose presence, whether through ignorance or intentional actions, causes harm to both local communities and the wider volunteer networks.
That leads us to a crucial third point: do your research. This protects not only yourself, but the people you hope to serve. Here are some useful tips:
- Look for NGOs or volunteer initiatives with a long-standing presence in Ukraine or a proven track record in crisis areas.
- Read firsthand volunteer experiences (blogs, articles, or social media) and look for recurring names of trusted coordinators or organizations.
- Check whether the organization has local partnerships and is registered with relevant authorities (either in Ukraine or internationally).
- Avoid vague or overly romanticized volunteer ads — real projects will be clear about what kind of help they need, and what they don’t
- Reach out to past volunteers for insights, or ask the organization direct questions about logistics, safety protocols, and expectations.
Throughout the following articles, we’ll introduce some concrete examples of ongoing volunteer efforts across Ukraine — and the people behind them.
In the meantime, you can support Ukraine by clicking on the link below and donating. Every contribution makes a difference.
A volunteer unpacks a truck full of aid sent to Ukraine