Three years of assistance on report: HIA’s response in Ukraine & Hungary

 Dear Reader,

For three years, the people of Ukraine have endured unimaginable hardship as war continues to be forced upon them. Displacement, relentless air raids, missile attacks, conscription, destroyed homes, the loss of loved ones, and the uncertainty of tomorrow—any one of these would be a heavy burden to bear. Yet, for millions of Ukrainians, these tragedies have become daily realities. From the very first days of the war, the global humanitarian community—including Hungarian Interchurch Aid—committed itself to alleviating their suffering. Today, as the conflict enters its fourth year, the question remains: can we keep our promise?

While we dare to hope for peace, we must not let optimism overshadow the growing humanitarian needs. Foreign funding is dwindling, organizations are withdrawing, and countless people remain without support. The end of active combat will not mark the end of hardship—it will signal the beginning of an even greater challenge: rebuilding lives, restoring communities, and healing a nation. Meeting this challenge requires us to stay true to HIA’s 27-year commitment to Ukraine.

Three years on, our solidarity is unwavering, but our vision is sharper. Embracing a multisectoral approach, Hungarian Interchurch Aid has expanded its reach across 23 regions of Ukraine, responding to urgent needs from Kramatorsk to Berehove, from Bucha to Kherson. In Hungary, our Support Centre continues to assist those forced to flee their homeland.

None of this would be possible without the strength, sacrifice, and generosity of those who form the pillars of our response—our implementing partners, international donors, volunteers, corporate partners, churches, and the Government of Hungary. Together, we have built a vital force within the international humanitarian response to this crisis.

As we mark three years of unwavering commitment, we must also acknowledge the goals still unmet and the work still ahead. With this report, we seek to demonstrate how we have transformed the solidarity of our many donors into tangible support for those suffering the consequences of war. We sincerely thank you for your continued trust and generosity and encourage you to stand with us as we press forward—because our work is far from over.

Yours sincerely,

László Lehel
President-Director
Hungarian Interchurch Aid