18 August 2025 - Kyiv, Ukraine
"A missile struck near our Safe Space in Sumy, killing civilians - including relatives of our program participants. Some survivors suffered severe physical and psychological trauma. We had to suspend in-person work to protect our team and participants. Even with emotional exhaustion and fear, we quickly adapted moving services online to continue supporting people under fire." - Maryna Velitchenko, Project Manager, CARE partner organization Girls
On World Humanitarian Day, CARE warns of the growing dangers faced by humanitarian workers in Ukraine, as targeted and indiscriminate attacks intensify in frontline regions.
Security incidents involving humanitarian workers increased by 50% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 - from 62 to 93 cases - including 3 deaths and 34 injuries, mostly among Ukrainian national personnel. The majority occurred in Kherson, Donetsk, and Kharkiv regions. Attacks are becoming increasingly unpredictable, ranging from airstrikes and drone strikes to landmine explosions and disinformation campaigns.
These challenges are compounded by a severe funding shortfall. As of August, only 34% of the US$2.6 billion needed for the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan has been received, forcing cuts to essential programs just as needs are growing. However, CARE emphasizes that the Duty Of Care For Humanitarian Personnel Is Our Obligation and must be prioritized for all aid workers in such conditions.
"Local humanitarian organizations are not shields against bullets and drones. We need strong political will and concrete action to end this impunity," said Daria Chekalova, Advocacy Advisor at CARE Ukraine. "Our responsibility is to provide staff with knowledge, skills, and protective tools - but that alone is not enough without accountability for violations of international humanitarian law."
CARE also highlights that women-led and women’s rights organizations face specific gendered security threats, especially those responding to gender-based violence. Humanitarian staff across Ukraine carry the additional weight of vicarious trauma, burnout, and post-traumatic stress, particularly in frontline areas.
Despite these challenges, humanitarian workers - including many women - continue to serve communities under constant threat. Protecting them must remain a global priority.