Oxfam’s response to the Ukraine crisis

After eight years of armed conflict in the east of the country, Russia launched a full-scale military offensive against Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The impact of this war has been devastating. It has caused more than 16,000 civilian deaths and 46,000 injuries, as well as the destruction of key infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, homes, and water facilities. During the winter months, attacks have left entire cities without heat and electricity for weeks.

The conflict has displaced about 11 million people from their homes, forcing them to seek safety within Ukraine or abroad, mostly in European countries. Of those who fled, 90% have been women, children, and older people. While some refugees remain in neighboring countries, many have moved on to other destinations across Europe or returned to Ukraine. In 2026, it is estimated that almost 5 million people remain internally displaced within the country.

Our concerns for the most vulnerable

As a humanitarian organization, Oxfam is gravely concerned about the impacts of the crisis on those most at risk – among both those who have fled the country and those who remain in Ukraine.

Many people who leave their homes are traumatized by war, separation, and travel. They can face difficulties in registering in other countries or regions, challenges accessing legal advice, and language barriers. Without the protections of their usual homes, sources of income, family and community, they are at greater risk of trafficking, extortion, and gender-based violence.

We are also concerned about the unequal treatment and lack of adequate protection of refugees from certain minority groups, including Roma communities, LGBTQIA+ people, third-country nationals outside the EU and Ukraine, young women and children travelling alone, and survivors of gender-based violence.

Putting partners at the centre

Established in 2022 with no prior presence in the region, Oxfam’s response in Ukraine was designed to be partner-centered, reflecting its commitment to Local Humanitarian Leadership. Initially, we worked with 48 partners across four countries – Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Romania. From the outset, they shaped the response, defining priorities, approaches, budgets, and implementation plans based on their understanding of local contexts and community needs.

Our partners expanded their operations to deliver emergency life-saving assistance and protection across multiple sectors, including water and sanitation, shelter, food assistance, cash distribution, legal aid, mental health and psychosocial support, as well as a range of integration services such as language classes and economic empowerment support.

Moving beyond program delivery

In 2024, Oxfam transitioned to focus its efforts exclusively on Ukraine. Carrying a large-scale humanitarian response while facing growing humanitarian needs and shrinking donor funding placed significant pressure on local organizations. Strengthening local leadership required more than supporting humanitarian activities alone. 

Oxfam adopted a new strategy to strengthen the long-term capacity of local organizations while preparing for its phase out of physical presence in 2026. At the heart of this approach were two initiatives: the Institutional Strengthening Initiative (ISI), which focused on seven strategic partner organizations across Ukraine, and the Women’s Humanitarian Leadership Fund (WHLF), which supported nine women’s rights organizations.

Rather than focusing on program delivery, these initiatives invested in partners’ internal systems, staff recruitment and retention, leadership skills, and other organisational priorities that would strengthen their long-term sustainability. Every investment was based on priorities and needs identified by partners themselves.

New chapter beyond the Ukraine response

By shifting decision-making power and resources to Ukrainian organizations, Oxfam laid the groundwork for its phase-out from the country in August 2026. However, this did not mark the end of our partnerships, but a new chapter in them. 

While the humanitarian crisis is far from over, Oxfam will remain an ally through a remote engagement model. Building on the relationships made through ISI and WHLF, we continue to support selected partners in accessing funding opportunities, amplifying their voices in global advocacy spaces, and sharing learning beyond the lifetime of the Ukraine response.