About The Program
Operation Recovery’s involvement in Ukraine is driven by the resilience and courage displayed by the Ukrainian people since the Spring of 2022 when the conflict escalated significantly. Witnessing the strength of over six million internally displaced persons, particularly women and children, and the steadfast spirit of an additional eight million displaced within Ukraine, including American citizens, we felt a profound responsibility to act. Drawing from our rich experience and successful strategies developed in past initiatives like the Afghanistan Initiative, we are committed to providing practical assistance and fostering community and empowerment in Ukraine and its neighboring regions in the face of this humanitarian crisis.
Aid Locations
Key Intervention Zones
Comprehensive Aid and Restoration: Our Multifaceted Approach in Ukraine
Life Saving Aid & Supplies
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.
Innovative Mental Health Program
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.
Shelter & Relocation Assistance
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 essentials.
Humanitarian Mine Clearing & Tree Planting
Leveraging the invaluable skills honed by our veterans, our program in Ukraine stands as a symbol of hope and courage, dedicated to eradicating explosive hazards and reinstating safety in regions scarred by conflict. This program is not just about clearing danger; it's a tribute to the fallen, where each tree planted represents a story of resilience and the promise of a renewed future in the face of adversity.
Support Our Mission
Your generous donations are the lifeblood of Operation Recovery’s efforts in Ukraine. Each contribution enables us to provide life-saving supplies, innovative EMDR sessions for trauma relief, shelter and relocation assistance, and humanitarian mine clearing. Your support goes towards these critical areas, making a tangible impact in the lives of those affected by the conflict. Join us in this journey of hope and resilience – every donation, big or small, brings us closer to a safer, more secure future for the Ukrainian people.
Resources for U.S. citizens in Ukraine
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.