NRC in Ukraine

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been present in Ukraine since 2014. We have stepped up our efforts since the escalation of the conflict and, together with our partners, have supported more than 1.5 million people affected by the ongoing war. 

What’s happening in Ukraine?

Eight years of conflict in the east of Ukraine escalated into a full-scale war in February 2022. Since then, towns and cities have come under fire, residential buildings have been reduced to rubble and millions of families have fled for safety. 

Throughout 2025, violence intensified further, with sustained aerial attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure across the country. Homes, schools, hospitals, energy facilities and ports have continued to be damaged or destroyed, while fighting along frontline and border areas has driven new waves of displacement. As a result, millions of families remain displaced within Ukraine or have sought refuge in neighbouring countries such as Poland and Romania. Many more continue to live in unsafe areas, enduring constant shelling and attacks. 

Those who remain in the country often lack basic services, since attacks on local infrastructure continue to disrupt electricity, heating and water supplies. Many are struggling to obtain food, safe housing, healthcare, and essential documentation. Humanitarian access also remains difficult in areas beyond the control of the Ukrainian government, where many vulnerable people are cut off from assistance. 

Livelihood opportunities are also severely limited. In urban areas, there’s stiff competition for jobs – while in the countryside, many fields remain contaminated by shrapnel. Too many children are missing out on safe, uninterrupted education, and cold winter conditions make daily life even more challenging for displaced and conflict-affected families.