In this final instalment of Portraits from the war in Ukraine, Polina Goch introduces us to the work of the Ukrainian Volunteer Service, where she is Head of Communications.

She says “there are more than 580 organisations registered on the platform and for now more than half a million Ukrainians use the platform to find some opportunities in volunteering.”

Operating since before the war began, the Service has adapted its efforts to support their fellow Ukrainians through the war, including by running a Telegram chatbot to match people in need with local volunteers.

We also hear from Nasta, Mykhaylo, Uliana and Solomia, who share their experiences as volunteers. Nastia highlights a story that particularly impacted her, and says “Volunteering is as important for me as hanging out with friends.”

Revisit the full series of portraits here.