What Is Happening in Ukraine?

Over the last few months, there have been increasing movements by the Russian military near different areas of the Ukraine border. Russian President Vladimir Putin continually promised that he would not invade Ukraine, but more troops continued to amass. This left many around the world to wonder, “What happens if Russia invades Ukraine?” 

It didn’t take long for Putin to answer the question, as he launched a full-scale invasion on February 24th, 2022. The invasion marks a sharp escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that has been going on since 2014 when Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. But what is happening in Ukraine right now after the invasion?

The Current Situation in Ukraine

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine, attacking by air, land, and sea. They currently control several regions in the north, east, and south of Ukraine, and are pushing to take control of the capital city of Kyiv. As the Russian military continues to bomb city centers, there has been catastrophic damage to critical infrastructure that has led many Ukrainians to flee and has even resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties.

As of March 8th, 2022, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that over 2 million refugees have already fled Ukraine and are seeking refuge in neighboring countries. That number is expected to double as the conflict continues. This marks the fastest-moving refugee situation in Europe since the end of World War II.

The UNHCR also reports that over 400 civilians have been killed and more than 800 have been injured as of March 7th, 2022. However, the real figures are expected to be much higher as violence and conflict have delayed the reporting of information. Many Ukrainian citizens have also sought safety by sheltering underground in train terminals and other makeshift bunkers.

This conflict between Russia and Ukraine has major implications for the people of Ukraine, all of Europe, and even the world as a whole. While world leaders work to determine the best way to respond to Russia’s actions, the main concern and focus should be the safety of civilians and the ability for them to receive refuge in other countries.

In an effort to do so, there have been cease-fires agreed to in multiple Ukrainian cities, but Russian forces have broken these agreements multiple times, opening fire and bombarding civilian corridors. It is paramount that these actions are halted immediately and Ukrainian citizens are allowed to find safety without being targeted. 

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including Ukrainian refugees currently in need. Together with our partner agencies, we are working on providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees, as well as calling on governments around the world to provide immediate support to all Ukrainians in need of protection.

Together with our members, the Conferences of Catholic Bishops in the USA and worldwide, we are also encouraging cease-fire zones so civilian populations can escape to safety, as well as promoting the establishment of Temporary Protection Directives so that refugees are admitted to countries where they are seeking protection. In countries bordering Ukraine, our member organizations are working to welcome and provide support to refugees fleeing the conflict. 

We rely on generous donations to continue our critical work, so consider making a donation to help make a difference in the lives of Ukrainian refugees today!

About the International Catholic Migration Commission

The International Catholic Migration Commission is a nonprofit organization that protects, serves, and advocates for displaced people throughout the world. We help refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants of all faiths, races, and ethnicities forge lives in safety and dignity.

With support from people like you, ICMC delivers humanitarian aid and social development, protects vulnerable migrants, contributes to refugee resettlement efforts, advocates before governments, and partners with civic leaders. We seek a sustainable solution to dangerous migration and refugee crises.

Find out more by visiting our website.