February 24, 2022, was a day of significant change. The world watched, eyes wide and hearts heavy, as the Russian military advanced into Ukraine. Yet, within these challenging times, we saw the resilience of the human spirit shine through, with homes, hospitals, bridges, and schools standing strong in the face of adversity.
In the wake of this, more than six million people, mostly women, and children, rose to the challenge. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) summoned the strength to leave their loved ones behind. They embarked on a quest for safety, journeying to neighboring countries such as Moldova, Poland, and others across Europe. Their courage serves as a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil.
Moreover, an additional eight million Ukrainians continue to display remarkable resilience, despite being displaced within their own country. Their strength is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of adversity, reminding us all that hope endures even in the darkest times.
At Operation Recovery, we channel our rich experience and deep-seated commitment to making a positive difference. We draw on our expertise in building effective networks and employing tried-and-true strategies, developed during our successful work in the Afghanistan Initiative, to rise to the challenge of humanitarian crises around the globe.
Our latest mission is a bold step towards hope and resilience. We’re focused on Ukraine and its neighboring regions, providing tailored assistance in the face of adversity. By collaborating with regional specialists who understand the complexities of the situation, we’re not just offering aid – we’re nurturing a sense of community and empowerment among those most affected by the conflict. Together, we can overcome. Together, we’re stronger.
Through the collective strength of our seasoned veteran and humanitarian networks, along with the robust systems we refined during our impactful 10-month Afghanistan Initiative, we are empowered to align with and deliver crucial humanitarian aid to countless municipalities and local NGOs active in several countries along the Ukrainian border.
Our aid endeavors are designed with a heart for the most vulnerable – women, children, and the elderly – who have been thrust into leaving their homes. The present time calls for immediate necessities like baby formula, diapers, and medical supplies. Our commitment to providing life-changing assistance remains steadfast.
We believe in unity and compassion in the face of adversity. We invite you, too, to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can bring a world of difference to those who need it most. Because in this mission, every helping hand counts!
Aid Locations
Services
We are supplying vital aid and supplies to those most in need. These supplies can help save lives and provide essential support during times of crisis.
At the heart of our mission lies the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Pilot Program. This unique initiative empowers local caregivers in Ukraine with training in EMDR, a clinically validated therapeutic approach that effectively addresses trauma and its associated symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
For those displaced by conflict, access to education and social connection can be limited. We aim to bridge that gap by facilitating remote learning through our pen pal program to help individuals and families recover.
We are partnering with local organizations to provide comprehensive resettlement assistance to those most need it. This includes offering shelter, food, medical care, and other essential support at our sponsored Ukraine Child Aid Bases.
Support Ukraine
Ukraine Resources
Please see below for resources currently available from the U.S. Department of State.
U.S. citizens in Ukraine should complete this online form so the State Department can communicate with you.
U.S. citizens seeking to depart Ukraine can call 1-833-741-2777 (in the United States) or 1-606-260-4379 (from overseas) for immediate assistance. Visit this page for the latest alerts and messages to U.S. citizens in Ukraine.
We encourage U.S. citizens to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Comprehensive information for U.S. citizens in Ukraine is available on the Ukraine country information page.
We also encourage those traveling by land from Ukraine to cross at the border crossings listed below. If you need assistance from a U.S. consular officer:
Poland: Poland has indicated to the U.S. government that U.S. citizens may now enter Poland through the land border with Ukraine. No advanced approval is required. We encourage those traveling into Poland by land from Ukraine to cross at the Korczowa-Krakovets or Medyka-Shehyni border crossings. The U.S. embassy has consular officers stationed near these crossings to provide assistance. Please call +48 22 504 2784 or +48 22 504 2000 (Embassy Warsaw), or +48 12 424 5100 (Consulate General Krakow), or email [email protected] or [email protected] for further information. You may contact the Polish Border Guard by email at [email protected] or by phone at +48 22 500 4068, +48 22 500 4568, or +48 22 500 5468. The Polish Border Guard’s website also provides relevant information (in Polish). The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Poland’s website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header “Entry and Exit Requirements”).
Romania: We encourage those traveling into Romania by land from Ukraine to cross at the Siret border crossing. The U.S. embassy will soon have consular officers stationed near this crossing to assist. Please call +40-41-270-6000 or email [email protected] for further information. Vaccinated and unvaccinated U.S. citizens may enter Romania by land. The Romanian Border Police’s website also provides relevant information. The U.S. Embassy in Romania’s website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header “Entry and Exit Requirements”).
Hungary: We encourage those traveling into Hungary by land from Ukraine to cross at the Záhony border crossing. The U.S. embassy will have staff stationed near this crossing to assist. Please contact +36-1-475-4400 by phone or [email protected] by email for further information. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Hungary, but should be prepared to show proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recovery from COVID-19. Please contact +36-1-475-4400 by phone or [email protected] by email for further information. Hungarian Police’s website provides relevant information. The U.S. Embassy in Hungary’s website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header “Entry and Exit Requirement”).
Slovakia: A list of open border crossings is available on the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava’s website. The U.S. embassy can provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens crossing from Ukraine to Slovakia. Please call +421-2-5443-0861 or +421-903-703-666 by phone or email [email protected] for further information. All borders in Slovakia are open to vaccinated travelers, and unvaccinated travelers will be allowed entry in a humanitarian emergency but may need to undergo testing and quarantine. The U.S. Embassy in Slovakia’s website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header “Entry and Exit Requirements”) in more detail.
Moldova: U.S. citizens traveling into Moldova by land from Ukraine should avoid the Transnistria region and cross into Moldova either to the north or south of the region. The main Moldova-Ukraine border crossing south of Transnistria is Palanca – Mayaki Udobnoe. The main border crossing north of Transnistria is Otaci – Mohyliv-Podilskyi. U.S. Embassy personnel will be stationed near border crossings to assist. Please contact +373-2240-8300 by phone or [email protected] by email for further information. Travelers should not enter Moldova through the breakaway region of Transnistria, where the U.S. Embassy has limited access and cannot provide the full range of assistance to U.S. citizens. Travelers should note the Chisinau-Odesa train goes through Transnistria as well. More information on Transnistria can be found here.
U.S. citizens can enter Moldova, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, though travel restrictions in-country will vary depending on vaccination status. The Moldovan Border Police’s website provides relevant information (in Romanian). The U.S. Embassy in Moldova’s COVID-19 website fully describes entry and exit requirements under the header “Entry and Exit Requirements.”
The European Union: The European Union maintains a website with all travel restrictions for member states.