Ukraine Humanitarian Aid
Resilience amidst destruction: Ivan’s Recovery Journey with Acted’s Cash Assistance in Kyiv
Since February 24th, 2022, more than 7,500 missiles have targeted Ukrainian cities.
Ivan*, who survived a rocket explosion in Kyiv while he was working as a packer in a warehouse. Ivan was later informed by Acted about the option to receive rapid response cash assistance within five days.
Ivan’s story: surviving an attack in Kyiv
In the aftermath of a rocket strike in Kyiv, 35-year-old Ivan’s life took an unexpected turn. From the tranquillity of a warehouse job to the chaos of war, his journey shows both the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative impact of Acted’s intervention, in partnership with ERC.
Ivan reflects on a time when Kyiv was a bastion of stability. The onset of the war, however, forced him and his sister into a bomb shelter for four days, prompting a nomadic journey through cities in the West.
Upon returning to Kyiv, Ivan’s commitment to rebuilding his life became evident. Enrolling in a humanitarian demining program in Brovary, he ventured into demining fields in Mykolaiv oblast. Despite the challenges, he persevered until shelling forced him back to Kyiv. Determined, Ivan reconnected with his pre-war job, unaware that a life-altering event awaited him.
How is cash assistance used in the aftermath of a missile strike?
I heard this whistling sound; I realized it was a rocket coming. I turned back and started to back away. They [his colleagues] didn't back up, they started to split up on the sides of the street. That's it, they both died, and I was hit in the back.
Then I was in a state of shock but told myself to pull myself together and I started to crawl to the side. I took off my belt, tightened my leg, torn off my T-shirt, and tightened the other leg. I got closer to the barrel with water and poured it on myself not to lose consciousness. I realized I had to wait for help.
Ivan’s colleague, who found cover behind nearby cars, came rushing to help. Emergency services took time to arrive as there were several exposions that took place at the same time in Kyiv. An ambulance took Ivan to the hospital with several injuries.
Acted’s rapid response was essential to help Ivan cover the medical expenses after the attack including X-rays, bandages, and mobility aids. This critical aid not only addressed his physical needs but also symbolized a lifeline during his darkest hours.
I have a very positive attitude to life. People always ask me: ‘Well, now you probably value your life?’ I think, ‘Yes, why such a question? I've always loved life, if I didn't love it so much, I might not have survived.
In conflict or war contexts and especially in Ukraine, where emergencies can arise and situations can dramatically change from one day to another, the most efficient and effective method of delivering humanitarian aid remains cash assistance.
Thanks to funding from the European Union, Acted and ERC, this approach has already reached 46,298 individuals since June 2023, providing multi-purpose cash and fostering a sense of resilience amid challenging circumstances.
*names have been changed to protect privacy.
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