The Catholic aid organization Caritas International expects a new wave of refugees in the Ukraine war. "If infrastructure continues to be destroyed and temperatures drop, people in some areas will have no choice but to leave," Ukraine team boss Gernot Krauss told the German Press Agency in Freiburg. "We expect that there will be another wave."

Millions of people have already had to leave the war-torn country. According to Krauss, there are many older women among those left behind. "They will have to go. That will buffer the country for the time being. But it increases the pressure on neighboring countries, including us." According to the UN refugee agency, almost 8 million Ukrainians are living as refugees in European countries. More than 6.5 million are displaced people in their own country.

Also help on site

In Ukraine, Caritas takes care of the distribution of food and drinking water, among other things. The aid organization issues money cards with a monthly amount equivalent to 56 euros to those in need. One problem is the infrastructure that Russia is attacking, Krauss said. "If there's no electricity, cash cards won't work either."

Caritas tries to get the relief supplies locally and largely avoids transport. However, some things could not be obtained in the country, such as generators. Already last winter it was difficult to procure heating materials on site. "We give the needy a one-off winter aid of the equivalent of around 560 euros. This is used for windows, roof repairs, heating material or winter clothing."

employees affected

The aid organization works through the local Caritas. The largest organization with around 2000 employees is Caritas Ukraine, which is supported by the Greek Catholic Church. "The problem is that they are affected themselves and often have family members who have lost their homes and had to flee," Krauss said.

The work involves significant risks. A few weeks ago, two Caritas employees and five relatives died in an attack in a social center in Mariupol. "It was a big shock for us," said Krauss.