When Ukraine was attacked in February 2022 by the Russian army and large parts of the population were plunged into unimaginable suffering, we, an organization that has been operating in the country for many years, knew that we were going to provide humanitarian aid. In our work we can rely on our long-term experience of working in Ukraine.

It is important that long-term support can be assured. For this reason, Green Cross Switzerland also plans to help the population with the reconstruction and to continue the projects for sustainable development aid again.

Support for animal shelters

Animals are also affected by war. Many animal shelters in Ukraine have already been in a precarious state for a long time. The war has exacerbated their situation. That’s why Green Cross Switzerland is supporting Ukrainian animal shelters in their task of caring for abandoned animals. Numerous quadrupeds could be supplied with food, medicine, toys and other goods of daily use. We are also preparing the construction of a new shelter in Sosnytsya, Chernihiv.

Light & warmth through solar energy kits

The war has led to frequent power outages, severely impacting energy supplies. This poses a significant challenge for facilities like kindergartens, especially during Ukraine’s harsh and often freezing winters. To address this, we are planning a large-scale delivery of solar energy kits to ensure light and warmth for those affected during blackouts. The first kits are scheduled for delivery and installation this winter, with a major expansion of the project planned for 2025.

Reforestation & housing modules

In partnership with the Swiss organization Ukraine Hilfe, we are constructing emergency housing modules for families in the region of Chernihiv who have lost their homes due to the war. This collaboration also includes the planting of 100,000 trees. Reforestation plays a vital role in restoring an ecosystem severely damaged by the war, contributing to global climate protection and securing the future of humanity. We are committed to continuing these efforts over the long term.

Clean drinking water

Although there is enough water in Ukraine, due to the deliberate destruction of infrastructure, the cleanliness of drinking water can no longer be guaranteed. This poses a great danger especially for children, elderly people and people with weak immune systems. They are particularly susceptible to dangerous germs in the water and therefore have an increased risk of life-threatening consequences.

In 2022-23, Green Cross Switzerland has subsequently equipped various public facilities near the frontline in Kherson with systems for purifying heavily contaminated drinking water. For example, one device was installed in the hospital kitchen of the city of Mykolayiv. This is a huge relief for the affected people in the war zone, as they have access to clean drinking water thanks to this aid.

Past projects

In peacetime, we supported the people affected by the reactor accident in the Chernobyl region in their pursuit of a self-determined life and a life full of hope. Even though a long time has passed since Chernobyl’s nuclear disaster, the accident still casts a shadow over the lives of the people living there. In addition to the negative effects of radioactivity on the health of the population, the events in Chernobyl also led to social and economic neglect in the region.

For this reason, Green Cross’ SOCMED (Social and Medical Care and Education) program was launched in 1995 to provide medical, psychological and social support to those most affected by the Chernobyl disaster, especially children and young people.