According to Caritas International, 17.7 million people in Ukraine are in urgent need of help. The Catholic aid organization will support the people in Ukraine and in the neighboring countries for as long as it is necessary, assured its head Oliver Müller on Wednesday in Freiburg.

Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago - on February 24, 2022 - and has been waging a brutal war of aggression ever since. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 41.4 million people lived in the country on the eastern edge of Europe in 2021, before the war began.

The needy get money cards and food

Müller called on the federal government to support the aid organization in its emergency aid. It is also important that non-governmental organizations are also taken into account during reconstruction. In the crisis country, Caritas takes care of the distribution of food and drinking water, among other things. The aid organization gives out money cards for purchases to those in need.

In Germany, Caritas also offers contact points for refugees. People are increasingly preparing for a longer stay, as Caritas reported, citing the experiences of helpers from their own home.

Müller said that his organization has so far received donations of more than 74 million euros for the Ukraine aid. The aid organization works in Ukraine through the local Caritas.