Kyiv, Ukraine – Gratitude. Hope. Dedication. These were the words chosen by Oleksandr, Maksym and Anna – three humanitarian workers from IOM Ukraine – when asked, "If you were to describe your work in one word, what would it be?" In war-torn Ukraine, these words encapsulate their daily struggles and accomplishments as they strive to bring relief to those caught in the crossfire, as the third year of the full-scale war, an escalation of a decade-long conflict in eastern Ukraine, continues.
Daily attacks on residential buildings and civilian infrastructure cause widespread destruction and millions seeking refuge. Since March 2024, over a hundred attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have disrupted power supplies nationwide, leading to extended outages for millions, further worsening the humanitarian situation in the country. As the conflict persists, the role of humanitarian workers is becoming more crucial than ever.
Oleksandr: A journey of gratitude
“The best part of my work is the ability to directly improve other people’s lives. It is extremely empowering to know that your efforts are impactful and that you can truly make a difference in the lives of others,” says Oleksandr Andrieiev, Field Operations Assistant at IOM Ukraine. Oleksandr’s work involves assisting in distributions of humanitarian aid for displaced people in Odesa region. This includes planning and logistics to ensure that essential supplies such as clothing, bedding kits, winterization supplies, and other essential items reach those in need efficiently and effectively.
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Oleksandr Andrieiev, IOM’s Field Assistant, during a humanitarian aid distribution in Chornomorsk, Odesa region. Photo: IOM Ukraine
Beyond the logistical aspects, Oleksandr spends most of his time in the field, directly interacting with affected communities and listening to their stories. This helps him understand their immediate and long-term needs, making sure that the assistance provided is relevant and impactful, and that the displaced people in Odesa region receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
A native of Odesa with a background in social work, Oleksandr Andrieiev has been with IOM for over a year. Before joining IOM, he volunteered at various non-governmental organizations in Odesa after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began.
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Oleksandr at IOM’s warehouse. Photo: IOM Ukraine
When asked about his motivation to become a humanitarian worker, Oleksandr's response is steeped in compassion: “In times of war and hardship, it is entirely natural to want to feel useful and valuable to your community," he says. The emotional toll of his work is mitigated by field visits and interactions with those assisted by IOM, which remind Oleksandr of the impact of his efforts.
Oleksandr sums up his experience in the humanitarian field with one word: gratitude. Seeing people supporting others, despite their own suffering, inspires Oleksandr to continue his work, he says.
Odesa and other southern regions of Ukraine continue to suffer from numerous attacks on residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. The recent increase in attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector caused critical services, including health care and education, to be disrupted. The damage to ports and transportation networks in Odesa region has also hindered logistics activities, posing challenges to the efforts to provide aid to those affected.
Maksym: Fueled by hope
For Maksym Sydorov, a National Programme Officer and IOM Hub Lead in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine, the one word that describes his work is "hope." Originally from Svitlodarsk, Donetsk region, Maksym has experienced the turmoil of war firsthand. Losing his home and business to war turned into a personal motivation to help others in similar situations.
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Maksym during a humanitarian aid distribution for displaced people from Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, in April 2024. Photo: IOM Ukraine/Anna Tsybko
In 2014, when the security situation in eastern Ukraine worsened, Maksym’s house in Donetsk region was damaged by shelling. At the time, his family received help from humanitarian organizations in the form of emergency shelter kits to repair his home. Now, years later, he oversees similar support and assistance for those in need in Kharkiv region.
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Maksym talking to newly arrived internally displaced persons from Vovchansk, Kharkiv region about their experience fleeing the zone of active hostilities. Photo: IOM Ukraine/Anna Tsybko
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Residential buildings destroyed as a result of Russian attacks, Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine. Photo: IOM Ukraine/Anna Tsybko
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A patient at a hospital in Kharkiv waits outside the doctor's office, glancing at the boarded-up window damaged from a blast wave during an attack in June. Photo: IOM Ukraine/Anna Tsybko
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Maksym and one of the doctors at Hospital #21 that suffered the recent attack, assessing the damage caused by a blast wave. Photo: IOM Ukraine/Anna Tsybko
Despite the proximity of Kharkiv region to the front lines and the associated dangers, Maksym finds hope in the proactive and dedicated people in his team, working tirelessly to support affected people: “I had never imagined that the team I work with would become my second family.”
“I hope that Ukraine will be able to recover from the consequences of the war and rebuild a normal life,” he says.
Anna: The power of dedication
Anna Savenets, an IOM Field Operations Assistant based in Dnipro, says that working in the humanitarian field is "her calling". Her role involves visiting areas in eastern Ukraine with critical needs, delivering humanitarian aid to those most vulnerable and often witnessing the aftermath of destruction.
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Anna delivers essential aid to vulnerable families in Donetsk region. Photo: IOM Ukraine/Anna Tsybko
Civilians and civilian infrastructure in front-line regions continue to be affected by hostilities, resulting in civilian deaths, injuries and displacement. Recent escalation in the attacks caused an even more dire humanitarian situation.
When asked what keeps her going despite the ever-present risks, Anna replies: "I am in the right place. I am where I am supposed to be. I realize that I can contribute, even if it's a small part, to helping the most vulnerable."
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Anna helps vulnerable families in Donetsk region receive essential aid. Photo: IOM Ukraine/Anna Tsybko
“Dedication” is the word that she uses to sum up her experience highlighting the deliberate and purposeful approach she brings to her work. Her intention to help, to make a difference and to face challenges head on defines her journey and underlines the meaningful impact she has on those she serves.
Together, Oleksandr, Maksym and Anna embody the spirit of perseverance and resilience amidst the turmoil in Ukraine. Their gratitude, hope and dedication offer a powerful reminder of the human capacity to endure and help others, even in the darkest times.
This story was written by Anna Tsybko, National Communications Officer with IOM Ukraine.