“The results of our research show the deepening humanitarian challenges,” – Enrique Menendez

Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia — these are the main regions where people who participated in our online survey live. In total, residents from 94 settlements in Ukraine, including 18 large cities, shared their responses regarding the needs of their communities.

What were the conclusions of our survey?

1. Access to basic needs is the #1 problem
   Almost 60% of respondents noted difficulties with access to drinking water, heat, and electricity. The situation is even more challenging for remote areas, where poor road conditions make reaching a hospital or school a real challenge.
2. Education and space for children
   70% of parents stated that their children do not have a safe place where they can study, play, or simply feel like children. Some schools are functioning in difficult conditions, while others are completely closed. As a result, the vast majority of parents emphasize the need for additional educational activities for children. People from both large cities and remote communities unanimously expressed the need for developmental programs for children, including psychological support (mentioned by 56% of respondents) and speech therapy services (mentioned by 36%).
3. Jobs and future for youth and women
   63% of respondents highlighted that jobs in their communities are either absent or poorly paid. 31.2% of survey participants are in urgent need of professional training or retraining programs. This is particularly felt by women and youth. People want to learn new professions, start their own businesses, but lack resources for training and support. 26.3% of respondents noted the need for programs aimed at young professionals and assistance with employment.
4. Psychological support — more important than ever
   Over 40% of respondents in communities report emotional burnout and constant stress. 38% feel passive due to exhaustion. 29.2% of respondents are ready and in need of psychological support right now. Additionally, 21.6% of participants indicated that their families require psychological assistance due to the loss of homes or loved ones and the need to find strength to move forward.

“The results of our research demonstrate the deepening humanitarian challenges in eastern Ukraine and the country as a whole. They reveal a broad picture of the transformation of community needs, especially in areas with a significant concentration of internally displaced persons,” says Enrique Menendez, Director of Projects and Programs at the NGO “Responsible Citizens.” “We see a growing demand for opportunities to develop. People want to learn, gain new qualifications, and find stable work that will become the foundation for their future. This approach will ensure the sustainability of communities and their capacity for recovery in the long run. Therefore, our current focus is on developing such opportunities for people.”

The NGO “Responsible Citizens,” together with international partners, is working on a range of projects that fulfill our primary mission — increasing the resilience and sustainability of communities in eastern Ukraine.