“It started with explosions, panic, the sound of air raid sirens…”: Ukraine marks 1,000 days since Russian invasion

One thousand days ago, the life of every Ukrainian changed in an instant.

“We were all expecting a normal Thursday morning,” Anka, who works in Kyiv with CAFOD partner organisation DePaul Ukraine, reflects on the moment she realised that Russian troops had invaded her country.

DePaul is a charity that has been working on homelessness in the country since 2007. After the full-scale invasion their work dramatically increased, as they began supporting those affected by the conflict.

Anka continues, “1,000 days ago, we had only fear for ourselves and loved ones … no idea how to live on. Today, we have an action plan, reliable partners and modern approaches to overcome the greatest stress in human life. Now we help those who have lost their home and sense of security every day.

“Today, we support thousands of Ukrainians who are forced to start their lives from scratch because of the war.”

Daily drone and missile attacks mean the war is always present in Ukraine. No-one there is unaffected, even hundreds of miles from the frontlines. Air raid sirens, nights spent in underground shelters and electricity shortages are commonplace. Homes have been lost, communities broken up, and brothers, friends and sons injured or killed. For the people of Ukraine, the war is present every day.

Thanks to our supporters, CAFOD has been able to stand in solidarity with them, supporting our partners to deliver emergency food, blankets and medical aid, and providing warm spaces for people to come together, to talk, for children to play - to feel a bit of ‘normality’, and for communities to start healing.

As the staff at DePaul Ukraine continue this vital work, Anka describes the difference CAFOD supporters have made.

“A thousand days ago, I thought about how to save the team, how to support them and their families, and where to run away from my native Kharkiv. Today, I am focused on project scaling, process optimisation and programme development. It was made possible thanks to you!

“Thanks to everyone who helps Ukraine and DePaul's team. Together we make a dignified life possible, even in times of war.”

Notes to editors

1. More details of CAFOD’s work in Ukraine

2. For more information, please contact:

• CAFOD Press Office: pressoffice@cafod.org.uk, +44 (0)7919 301429

• Media Officer: Rosalind Mayfield - rmayfield@cafod.org.uk, +44 (0)7856 799169

3. CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International. Working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.