Since 2013, Ukraine has been besieged by military and political confrontation. This triggered protests known as the Euromaidan movement, which culminated in Yanukovych’s removal from power in February 2014.

His removal sparked political agitation and counter-revolutionary movements in the semi-autonomous region of Crimea and in Ukraine’s Eastern provinces. The 2015 Minsk Agreement and further subsequent efforts to end the crisis have so far failed. Prior to the war of 2022, deadly clashes were a daily occurrence, and indiscriminate shelling was already taking a heavy toll on civilian lives and property, especially those close to the “contact line” in Eastern Ukraine.

Tensions continued to grow when, in February 2022, President Putin recognised the independence of the two breakaway regions of Ukraine and ordered military troops into the east of the country. Less than two weeks into the war, there has already been widespread civilian deaths and injuries, and damage to buildings, including hospitals, schools, and homes. Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, has been devastated, with civilians left homeless taking refuge in underground metro stations.

Refugees are fleeing in vast numbers; currently crossing to neighboring countries to the west, such as Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova. The United Nations predicts that Russia’s invasion has triggered the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.

The humanitarian crisis that is escalating as a result of this recent conflict is of great concern. Refugees are fleeing in vast numbers; currently crossing to neighbouring countries to the west, such as Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova. The United Nations predicts that Russia’s invasion has triggered the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. The process to rebuild the country's infrastructure and economy and will take time, and yet the stories of Ukrainian bravery and resilience give resolve that peace can be restored in this country.