“They feel abandoned”: Ukraine’s reality two years after the Russian invasion – La Lanterna de la Iglesia

One in four Ukrainians depends on aid to survive. This is a reality two years after the start of this war. Then, two years ago, temples were opened to shelter the population, giving them material assistance, and now the Pontifical Foundation wants to focus its efforts on helping citizens cope with the consequences that the population has had.

Two years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in ‘The Lantern of the Church’ we turn our attention to this often forgotten war, and where the Church remains a fundamental part of aid work. Raquel Martín is the Director of Communications for Ayuda la Iglesia Necistada in Spain. He recently visited the country and reminded us that “the pain they feel right now is that they feel abandoned, forgotten.”

country in shock

The figures are horrific: to the fourteen million displaced people, we must add the consequences of the fighting and attacks: 35,000 official deaths, 50,000 people with amputations, 200,000 wounded who are being cared for by their families, thousands of people searching for their relatives. Those who have news… fatigue and disappointment are showing their effects. 80% of Ukrainians are wounded either physically or psychologically, but above all psychologically. “Imagine the constant pain, it’s a stab in the heart,” Raquel Martin tells us, who also reminds us that “the Catholic Church’s number one priority is to address trauma.”

There are thousands of priests, religious men and women, lay people as well; Who face this reality to support the victims. For this reason, as he tells us, “It is essential to train them in trauma care.

Projects and Support

help the needy churchhas launched a campaign for Ukrainian warDon’t fall into oblivion. ‘Ukraine, I Don’t Want to Forget You’ seeks support to heal the psychological wounds inflicted on the population by the war conflict.

In addition to training priests, religious and Christian volunteers, Aid to the Church in Need seeks to create and maintain a large center in the Volyn region for the spiritual and psychological rehabilitation of youth and children affected by the war. Supporting priests and training seminarians who do not stop moving forward are other axes of this campaign.

For this reason, the Church needs to prepare for “another great battle”: winning the hearts of her people to forgiveness and reconciliation. Of course, evil never has the last word, not even in this war in Ukraine. Don’t forget them and help them by calling 91 725 92 12 or the website ayudaliglesianesitada.es.