As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, civilians remain exposed to relentless violence. Among those under the greatest strain are doctors, nurses, paramedics, teachers, social workers, and community volunteers working in extremely challenging conditions. Many are now experiencing severe psychological distress. In response, Action Against Hunger teams are expanding our mental health and psychosocial support programs near the front lines in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions, focusing on frontline workers who continue to support their communities, often at the expense of their own well-being.
Since last autumn, attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have intensified, leading to widespread outages of electricity, water, and heating. During winter, when temperatures can drop to -20°C, these disruptions place hundreds of thousands of people in dangerous conditions and add further pressure to healthcare services already operating under immense strain.
“Frontline professionals are not spared from this distress. Many work in extreme conditions, sometimes without light or heating. Whether they are healthcare workers, teachers, or social workers, these community professionals carry the burden of collective trauma while remaining exposed to repeated strikes on their cities,” says Benjamin Martin, Country Director for Action Against Hunger in Ukraine.
More than 3.7 million people are currently internally displaced within Ukraine, most of them concentrated in regions close to the front lines. Local services are under extraordinary pressure as frontline workers strive to meet the needs of both long-term residents and newly displaced families. In 2026, projections anticipate up to 504,000 newly displaced or evacuated people in oblasts near the front line.
The sustained impact of violence, combined with large-scale displacement, is driving a sharp increase in mental health needs. In 2025, 83% of adults reported persistent stress and nervous tension.
To help sustain essential healthcare services, Action Against Hunger supports public health centres and rural clinics by providing medical furniture, medicines, and critical supplies.
Alongside our mental health programs for the general population, we’ve also introduced dedicated support for frontline workers. In the Kharkiv and Sumy regions, Action Against Hunger psychologists are running group sessions aimed at strengthening resilience and reducing the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. The sessions provide practical tools for managing stress, regulating emotions, and maintaining psychological well-being in high-pressure environments.
Despite rising needs, the humanitarian response in Ukraine remains severely underfunded. In 2026, only 13.5% of identified funding requirements have been met. Cuts to American and European funding risk weakening aid efforts at a time when attacks on infrastructure continue and civilian vulnerability is increasing.
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
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