This week we focus our thoughts and prayers on the people of Ukraine, as it has been four years since their country was invaded by Russia.
In 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, 18 Integral Members came together to respond to the humanitarian needs. With funding support from 11 other Members, Integral Member Integra (Slovakia) has been working with some of the most affected communities throughout the duration of the conflict. They have responded by providing food, essential household items, multi-purpose cash, shelter repairs, psychosocial support and livelihood support. Four years on the response is ongoing as the conflict continues.
Allan Bussard, the Director of the Integra Foundation says, “During 2025 our partnership with Integral Members has been critical to maintain our programme in Ukraine, especially as funding from other sources has become more difficult. In the last 12 months, we have been able to provide life saving aid to 13,730 people. This has included emergency and recurring food support to those living within 50 km of the front line, as well as psychosocial and livelihood support for internally displaced people.”
In addition, Integra has distributed specialised hygiene kits for women and girls, supported small businesses run by women who have lost their livelihoods and implemented peacebuilding activities. They have also organised dialogue groups aimed at reducing tensions between host communities and internally displaced people, trained local professionals in psychological first aid, and supported the establishing of community self-help groups for single mothers, veterans, and others affected by the war.
Looking to the future, Allan says, “As we move into 2026, discussions continue with Integral Members active in Ukraine, as we seek opportunities to expand our partnerships and approach donors as a consortium of agencies. In particular, our partnerships with Integral Members Cedar Fund, World Renew, Tearfund Netherlands and Tearfund Belgium have been critical for us over these past 12 months.”
Integral is a global alliance of 22 Christian relief and development agencies that come together to respond in times of disaster. We believe we can serve people better by uniting our collective reach, funding and expertise.