Weekly Update #70
July 3

The Ukrainian General Staff stated that Ukrainian forces seized the “strategic initiative" in the Bakhmut direction and are currently conducting a broad offensive in the area. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar similarly stated that Ukrainian forces seized the “operational initiative” in the area and reported that Ukrainian forces advanced 1,200m in the direction of Klishchiivka (7km southwest of Bakhmut) and 1,500m in the direction of Kurdyumivka (13km southwest of Bakhmut). Ukrainian officials are likely now acknowledging that Ukrainian forces possess the initiative in order to signal that Ukrainian forces intend to leverage it to a greater degree.

Ukrainian forces conducted offensive operations in at least two other sectors of the front and reportedly made gains on June 29. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast and on the administrative border between Zaporizhia and Donetsk oblasts.

The Kremlin may intend to assume formal control over the Wagner Group following its armed rebellion and turn it into a state-owned enterprise, although it is not clear if the Kremlin has committed itself to such a course of action. Russian officials may use Wagner’s existing status as a state-financed and -supplied organization to complete its formal nationalization. The nationalization of Wagner would likely aid in the Russian Ministry of Defense’s (MoD) effort to subsume existing Wagner personnel into the regular Russian Armed Forces through contracts. The nationalization of Wagner would not likely dramatically disrupt its foreign activities, and the Kremlin may be interested in assuming de jure responsibility for Wagner's operations abroad to deprive the group of a remaining source of influence and independent cash flow. Russian military authorities informed Syria and Central Africa Republic regarding the new status of the Wagner group in their operations in their respective countries.

Kremlin-affiliated businessmen may be acquiring Prigozhin’s domestic media empire, likely as part of an ongoing effort to destroy his reputation in Russia. Sources noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “personal banker” Yuriy Kovalchuk may acquire assets of Prigozhin’s “Patriot” media holding group and the RIA FAN news outlet for his “National Media Group.”

Kremlin Spokesperson refused to address Army General Sergei Surovikin’s whereabouts on June 29, prompting more speculations in the Russian information space. Western observers continue to speculate about the whereabouts of Russian Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov following Wagner’s rebellion, although his lack of public appearance is not necessarily indicative of his current official standing within the Russian military leadership. Surovikin had not been seen in public since Saturday. Other media outlets, such asThe New York Times, reported that Surovikin had prior knowledge of the uprising led by the Wagner chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, with whom he had well publicised links. Surovikin is the head of the Russian aerospace forces and was formerly Moscow’s supreme commander in Ukraine. It is not clear whether Surovikin has been charged as a plotter in the uprising led by Prigozhin on Saturday, or simply detained for interrogation.

Russian and Ukrainian forces continued to engage in positional battles along various points, such as the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna frontline, Avdiivka-Donetsk City line, and western Donetsk-eastern Zaporizhia oblasts border area. Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted counteroffensive operations in six sectors of the front on July 2 and made gains in some of these areas.

Eight people have been killed, including three children, by Russian missiles that hit the centre of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine.

A restaurant and shopping area were hit in Tuesday's strike on the city, which is under Ukrainian control but close to Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.

Rescuers are continuing to search for people trapped under the debris. At least 56 others were injured in the strike, according to Ukrainian emergency services.

Kramatorsk has often been targeted by missiles since the start of the invasion in February 2022. The city of 150,000 people is one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the besieged east. It lies about 30km (18 miles) from the frontline.

Ukrainian intelligence reported that Russian forces and officials are gradually leaving the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) possibly in preparation for an intentional “accident” at the facility. The Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported on June 30 that the Russian contingent at the ZNPP is gradually leaving the facility and that three employees of Russian state nuclear energy company Rosatom who managed the facility have recently left for Russian occupied Crimea. The GUR reported that Ukrainian employees at the ZNPP who have signed contracts with Rosatom received instructions that they must evacuate the facility by July 5. The GUR reported that Russian forces are decreasing patrols around the ZNPP itself and in neighboring Enerhodar and that workers at the ZNPP have also received instructions to blame Ukrainian forces in the event of an emergency.

Ukrainian and Belarusian sources reported that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other Belarusian officials and citizens are actively involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Belarus.

Sources: ISW (June 29 Update)

ISW (June 30 Update)

ISW (July 2 Update)

BBC

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Pope’s peace envoy arrives in Moscow after the short-lived Wagner rebellion

Pope Francis’ peace envoy arrived in Moscow on Tuesday in hopes of helping find “a solution to the tragic current situation” of the war in Ukraine, weeks after making a preliminary visit to Kyiv, the Vatican said. The mission by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a veteran of the Catholic Church’s peace initiatives, comes as the Kremlin is reeling from the weekend armed rebellion led by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russia has since dropped charges against Prigozhin and others who took part in the brief rebellion.

The Vatican has said Zuppi is hoping to find “paths of peace” in his shuttle missions.

On the Moscow leg, Zuppi was accompanied by an official from the Vatican secretariat of state. His car was seen arriving at the Moscow embassy Tuesday evening, according to footage aired on Italian state-run RAI television, which said he was expected to have meetings with religious and possibly political figures in the coming days.

He is due to remain in Moscow until Thursday, which is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul — an important day for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians.

“The principle aim of the initiative is to encourage gestures of humanity that can contribute to favor a solution to the tragic current situation and find paths to a just peace,” the Vatican statement said.

Zuppi, 67, is the archbishop of Bologna, president of the Italian bishops conference and a veteran of the Catholic Church’s peace mediation initiatives through his longtime affiliation with the Sant’Egidio Community. Through the Rome-based charity, Zuppi helped mediate the 1990s peace deals ending civil wars in Guatemala and Mozambique, and headed the commission negotiating a cease-fire in Burundi in 2000, according to Sant’Egidio.

Source: AP News

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Flooding aftermath

People evacuated from the areas worst affected by the massive flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on 6 June have reportedly started to return home over the past couple of days, at least in the areas of Khersonska oblast controlled by Ukraine, according to the Government. The returns, which must be authorized by the local authorities and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), come as the waters of the Dnipro River have again receded to the banks, nearly three weeks after the disaster that has affected tens of thousands of people in a region already dealing with the grave consequences of the war. It has been reported that more than 500 residents of the town of Oleshky in the Kherson region may have died as a result of the Russian forces blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. This was reported by the National Resistance Center established by the Special Operations Forces on 19 June.

Some previous returns had already happened in the areas of Khersonska and Mykolaivska oblasts where flooding receded earlier. Although there is still no confirmation of how many of the nearly 4,000 people who had evacuated have returned home, the number of people taking refuge in temporary displacement centres has already decreased from 470 on 21 June to 335 five days later. The majority of those displaced, however, stayed with relatives and friends. People whose houses were flooded will likely need support to clean and repair their homes and replace damaged and lost vital household items.

The flood waters inundated chemical plants, sewage systems, cemeteries and dead livestock, contaminating water systems and boreholes across Khersonska and Mykolaivska oblasts, adding to the challenges people in these areas had already been facing to access clean water. The situation is particularly critical in Beryslav town and Novooleksandrivska, Novovorontsovska and Mylivska hromadas, where approximately 11,000 people now depend entirely on water distribution.

In addition, anecdotal reports of analyses conducted by the Ukrainian authorities in some villages of Khersonska oblast indicated that water from wells and other sources did not meet the acceptable levels of coliforms, E. coli and other bacteria, putting the population at high risk of disease outbreaks. However, to date, no cases of cholera or other acute intestinal infections have been reported, according to the Ministry of Health.

The fast depletion of the Kakhovka Reservoir, which has lost nearly 75 per cent of its water volume, is also causing immense challenges to people in Dnipropetrovska oblast. Large urban areas, including Marhanetska, Nikopolska and Pokrovska hromadas, have been completely cut off from centralized water for nearly three weeks, while others like Apostolivska and Zelenodolska hromadas continue to have extremely limited access. This has left an estimated 210,000 people in this area alone in urgent need of life-saving water.

While the extent of the long-term impact of the disaster is still being analyzed, the depletion of the Reservoir will also have an extensive effect on agriculture in southern Ukraine, as the irrigation system has been heavily affected. It adds to the possible loss of crops due to the flooding itself, impacting people’s livelihoods in a region known as the breadbasket of Ukraine and the world.

Sources: OCHA

WHO

THE HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, on the attack on Kramatorsk

The images arriving from Kramatorsk are horrifying.

I am appalled and extremely saddened by yet another strike hitting homes, restaurants, shops and schools, leaving dozens of civilians, including children, killed and injured. On behalf of the United Nations and the humanitarian community, I send my most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery.

Yesterday’s attack hit the centre of Kramatorsk, a civilian area, densely populated, where people were trying to go on with their lives despite all the horrors caused by this war.

This is another example of inexcusable level of suffering Russia’s invasion is inflicting on the people of Ukraine. International humanitarian law protects civilians and civilian infrastructure, and everything must be done to minimize or avoid civilian harm, including by verifying targets.

Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not a target.

Source: OCHAUN RC/HC Ukraine

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Human Impact Assessment reveals stark consequences of war on Ukrainian society

The United Nations in Ukraine today released its Human Impact Assessment (HIA), providing comprehensive insights into the effects of Russia’s invasion on living conditions, health, access to education, livelihoods, food security, social inclusion, and gender equality. Twelve UN agencies contributed to the UNDP-led joint initiative, implemented at the request of the Office of the President and the Government of Ukraine.

The Assessment reveals that although living standards and access to basic services stabilized following the initial months of conflict, living conditions faced a setback in winter 2022/2023 due to country-wide utility disruptions. Health and education were similarly impacted with 22 percent of households spending over a quarter of their monthly income on healthcare, and 11 percent of youth identifying a lack of access to quality education.

This assessment is a UNDP-led joint initiative of the United Nations, implemented at the request of the Government of Ukraine. The report was developed by IMPACT Initiatives and Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development. Representatives from the following UN agencies contributed to the Human Impact Assessment report development: UNICEF, WFP, FAO, OHCHR, UNFPA, UN Women, IOM, UNDP, UNAIDS, UNHCR, WHO, and OCHA with the Resident Coordinator’s Office support.

The agencies co-leading HIA pillars are:

1. Living Standards, Health, and Education: UNICEF – WHO – UNHCR

2. Social Inclusion: UNDP – OHCHR

3. Livelihoods: UNDP – IOM

4. Gender Equality: UN Women – UNFPA

5. Food Security: WFP – FAO

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said the Assessment marks an important milestone in understanding the true human cost of the war in Ukraine.

Key findings

Livelihoods: Unemployment is predicted to stand at 18.3% across 2023; 65 percent of households reported a decrease in income since February 2022; and the share of families with paid work accounting for their primary source of income decreased from 67 percent to 53 percent.
Gender Equality: 3.6 million people at risk of gender-based violence; 55 percent of women felt unsafe in their daily life; 23 percent of women reported spending 50+ hours per week on domestic chores.
Food Security: 44 percent of households cannot afford essential needs, driving food insecurity; the proportion of households with inadequate food consumption rose to one-third; and 43 percent of households reported limiting portions, borrowing food, and/or eating cheaper foods.
Social Inclusion: 45 percent of the population belongs to at least one vulnerable group; IDPs, PWDs, and older persons experienced the lowest income levels; IDPs and Roma communities face discrimination in searching for employment or accommodation.

Recommendations

The HIA concludes with key recommendations for the Government of Ukraine, International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), donors, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs). These include supporting the government in upholding the rights of all groups affected by the war, aiding households and communities in rebuilding their resources, improving access to social protection systems, and implementing recovery efforts focusing on the changing needs of affected populations. Additionally, it urges the establishment of policies aimed at restoring agricultural production, investing in education and skills training, prioritizing livelihood interventions reflecting Ukraine's economic and demographic changes, and building inclusive societies during and post-war period.

Source: United Nations

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Detention of civilians in the context of the armed attack by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, 24 February 2022 – 23 May 2023

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released this report last week, which examines the detention of civilians in the context of the armed attack by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

The report covers the period from 24 February 2022 to 23 May 2023 and is based on the findings of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). It examines compliance by the parties to the conflict with international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL), as applicable in international armed conflict. The report raises concerns regarding arbitrary detention and other violations of international law. It concludes with recommendations which aim to strengthen protection of the rights to liberty and security of persons and ensure effective remedies for victims.

The ongoing Russian armed attack against Ukraine, in continuing breach of the United Nations Charter and international law, has led to a wide range of violations of IHL and IHRL. Since 24 February 2022, large numbers of Ukrainian civilians have been detained by the Russian Federation in the territory of Ukraine under its control or during occupation. Ukrainian authorities also detained civilians for conflict-related crimes. This report sets out concerns identified by OHCHR relating to conflict-related detention of civilians.

OHCHR emphasizes that the Government of Ukraine has continued to provide OHCHR with full and confidential access to conflict-related detainees in places of detention, with the exception of a case of 87 civilian Russian sailors detained on their vessel in Izmail. On the other hand, the Russian Federation did not provide OHCHR with any access to conflict-related detainees, despite repeated requests. This lack of access also means that numbers and nature of cases ought not to be compared against each other.

In the territory of Ukraine which it occupied, the Russian Federation detained civilians in what in some cases appeared to be de facto security detention, without carrying out these interments in the manner required by IHL. While such detention is in principle provided for under international law, without such safeguards it constitutes arbitrary detention. It also failed to uphold due process and procedural guarantees to protect civilians enshrined in IHRL, thus creating risks of enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment.

OHCHR documented 864 individual cases (763 men, 94 women and 7 boys) of arbitrary detention perpetrated by the Russian Federation between 24 February 2022 and 23 May 2023, many of which also amounted to enforced disappearances. Many individuals were detained during so-called ‘filtration’ carried out by the Russian Federation in occupied territory, a process used to seek to identify possible affiliation with or support for the Ukrainian armed forces or authorities, and to collect information about residents in occupied territory. In many of the documented cases, detentions during ‘filtration’ failed to comply with both IHL and IHRL standards and were arbitrary, and in some cases amounted to the enforced disappearance of individuals.

OHCHR documented the detention of 260 civilians (209 men and 51 women) by the Russian Federation based on their perceived political views or other legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. Cases included local public officials, civil society activists, humanitarian volunteers and informal leaders of communities, including teachers and priests. OHCHR further documented the detention of 88 civilians (all men) who had formerly served in the Ukrainian armed forces prior to 24 February 2022.

Russian armed forces held conflict-related civilian detainees for periods ranging from several days, to weeks or months, often incommunicado, in unofficial places of detention. In 26 per cent of these cases, the Russian Federation transferred detainees to other locations within occupied territory or deported them to the Russian Federation, contrary to the prohibition against forcible transfers or deportations under IHL. Moreover, in many cases Russian armed forces and occupying authorities neither acknowledged the detention nor disclosed information to relatives and lawyers, for prolonged periods of time.

This practice impacted particularly on relatives and friends of detainees, in desperate search for information. While being held incommunicado, conflict-related civilian detainees were often interrogated by members of Russian armed forces. In the cases documented by OHCHR, more than 91 per cent of civilian detainees held by the Russian Federation described subjection to torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence. In the documented cases, such treatment appeared to be carried out to force the victims to confess to provision of assistance to Ukrainian armed forces, to compel them to cooperate with the occupying authorities, or to intimidate those considered to hold pro-Ukrainian views. In many locations, the conditions of detention were so dire that the conditions of detention could themselves amount to ill-treatment, or in some cases, torture under international law.

In particular, OHCHR is gravely concerned by the summary execution of 77 civilians (72 men and 5 women) while they were arbitrarily detained by the Russian Federation, and the further death of one detainee (a man) as a result of torture, inhumane detention conditions and/or denial of necessary medical care.

In Ukraine, amendments to its criminal codes since the introduction of martial law have given Ukrainian authorities wider discretion to detain persons perceived to pose a threat to security or are suspected of committing criminal offences against national security. These amendments, combined with practices employed by Ukrainian security forces, have also resulted in an environment conducive to arbitrary detention. OHCHR documented 75 cases (57 men, 17 women and 1 boy) of arbitrary detention by Ukrainian security forces, mostly of persons suspected of conflict-related criminal offences.

During the reporting period, Ukrainian law enforcement and security officers appeared to misuse in flagrante provisions to detain several civilians without a warrant for alleged membership in armed groups of self-proclaimed ‘republics’ between 2014-2020, resulting in arbitrary deprivations of liberty.

OHCHR documented 65 cases where Ukrainian security forces detained civilians in unofficial places of detention for periods lasting from several hours to 4.5 months, during which they were often held incommunicado. This practice was reportedly used to coerce detainees to confess or make other incriminating statements.

Fifty-seven per cent of interviewed detainees described being subjected to torture and ill-treatment by Ukraine, predominantly in unofficial places of detention and, to a lesser extent, in pre-trial detention facilities. Moreover, in 17 per cent of documented cases, detainees experienced poor detention conditions.

A significant number of cases of arbitrary detention also amounted to enforced disappearance. In such cases, law enforcement officers, mainly from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), detained civilians without court authorisation; held them incommunicado for several days, sometimes transferring them to one or several unofficial places of detention; denied them access to counsel; and declined to disclose information to their loved ones.

Respect for judicial guarantees and fair trial rights of conflict-related detainees by the Ukrainian authorities also raised concerns, some relating to poor legal aid and bias against conflict-related detainees by legal aid lawyers. OHCHR has also documented practices during earlier stages of the criminal investigation which could implicate fair trial standards. For example, several of the conflict related detainees interviewed asserted that evidence had been planted during home searches or searches conducted at checkpoints.

Comprehensive accountability for violations of IHL and IHRL perpetrated in the context of the conflict is paramount to ensure justice for victims, strengthen rule of law, and contribute to future peace and reconciliation. OHCHR is not aware of any ongoing investigations by the Russian Federation into arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances or other violations perpetrated against those detained by its own forces. A draft law approved by the Parliament of the Russian Federation in its first reading instead would potentially provide exemption for criminal liability for such offences perpetrated in occupied territory of Ukraine, if committed for the sake of “protecting the interests of the Russian Federation.”

As of 23 May 2023, criminal investigations launched by the Government of Ukraine into unlawful detentions of civilians by Russian armed forces have resulted in convictions against 23 individuals (including 19 in absentia). OHCHR is not aware of completion of criminal investigations launched by Ukrainian authorities into actions of Ukrainian State actors alleged to be involved in arbitrary detentions or enforced disappearances of conflict-related detainees.

Source: United Nations

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Empowering Resilience: UNDP and Japan provide Ukrainian communities with 572 generators for emergency power supply

Today, the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Japan unveiled the latest result of their pivotal collaboration, delivering 572 emergency generators to Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts in Ukraine. These generators, ranging in capacity from 3 to 20 kVA, will bolster local emergency rescue services and ensure the stable operation of utility companies and local self-government bodies.

Ensuring the continuous operation of vital services in Ukraine is of the highest importance as the country’s energy system remains extremely vulnerable and operates in emergency mode. The recent destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Dam affected more than 200 distribution power substations, increasing the burden on energy and water supply systems across the country.

The aftermath of this destruction, combined with ongoing electricity shortages and rocket attacks on infrastructure, is obstructing restoration efforts and putting local communities at risk, underscoring the vital importance of maintaining operational services across the country. Furthermore, the Kakhovka dam destruction has aggravated the already critical situation of mine contamination in the country. UNDP launched its efforts for mine risk education for 20,000 people who are exposed to the risks of the mines carried by the flood water.

The Japanese government reiterated Japan’s unwavering support for Ukraine, and in particular people in Kherson region, who suffered from the Kakhovka Dam collapse. The delivery of the 572 generators is another in a series of similar support initiatives. In April, Japan and UNDP provided 77 powerful generators to support critical infrastructure facilities across the country. Last week, 142 generators with a capacity of 3 to 20 kVA were provided to communities in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Source: UNDP

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Water-borne diseases threaten south of Ukraine as Red Cross ramps up efforts

Water-borne diseases are a growing threat for people affected by flooding from the Nova Kakhovka Dam collapse earlier this month. This threat poses a significant challenge in an already complex and volatile situation. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) network with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society continue to scale up to help tackle the new risk.

Since day one, the Ukrainian Red Cross mobilised in the Kherson region to help affected communities. Despite being under fire, teams continued to help people evacuate safely and provide first aid along with other relief items.

The Ukraine Red Cross with the IFRC network are helping communities access a reliable clean water supply and adequate hygiene and sanitation. Red Cross teams continue to provide affected communities with relief items as well as mental health and psychosocial support.

Source: IFRC

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UNHCR: Supporting an area-based approach to durable solutions

UNHCR envisions an area-based strategy to ground their efforts towards durable solutions for the immense challenges in Ukraine’s recovery. This is an overview of this strategy.

Transparent, equitable and impactful recovery will require joined up, area-based approaches and sustained investments by a range of actors. Guided by the Government’s National Recovery Plan, UNHCR co-leads the UN Durable Solutions Steering Committee, which seeks to establish an inclusive, holistic approach to early recovery.

With total financial requirements of $230 million in 2023-24, UNHCR will focus its solutions programming in six key priority areas.

Priority Areas

Source: UNHCR

HOLY FATHER ON UKRAINE

Angelus - June 29, 2023 (Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul)

Dear brothers and sisters, I address a warm greeting and special wishes to Romans, on the feast of your patron saints Peter and Paul! I thank the Pro Loco Association of Rome, which has organized the historic flower festival, created by the master florists of the various Pro Loco Associations of Italy, now in its tenth edition: I am looking at some of the displays from here… beautiful carpets of flowers inspired by peace, and this tells us never to tire of praying for peace, especially for the Ukrainian people, who are in my heart every day.

Cari fratelli e sorelle, rivolgo un caloroso saluto e un augurio speciale ai romani, nella festa dei santi patroni Pietro e Paolo! Ringrazio la Pro Loco di Roma, che per l’occasione ha organizzato l’infiorata storica, realizzata dai Maestri infioratori di varie Pro Loco d’Italia e giunta alla decima edizione: la sto guardando da qui… Sono stati allestiti dei bellissimi tappeti floreali ispirati alla pace e questo ci dice di non stancarci di pregare per la pace, specialmente per il popolo ucraino, che è ogni giorno nel mio cuore.

Links to the full text in ITALIAN and ENGLISH

Angelus - July 2, 2023 (Sunday)

Dear brothers and sisters, even during summertime, let us not tire of praying for peace, especially for the people of Ukraine who are so beleaguered. And let us not neglect the other wars so often unfortunately forgotten, and the numerous conflicts and clashes that stain many parts of the world with blood. There are so many wars today. Let us take an interest in what is happening, let us help those who suffer and let us pray, because prayer is the gentle strength that protects and sustains the world.

Cari fratelli e sorelle, anche in questo periodo estivo non stanchiamoci di pregare per la pace, in modo speciale per il popolo ucraino, tanto provato. E non trascuriamo le altre guerre, purtroppo spesso dimenticate, e i numerosi conflitti e scontri che insanguinano molti luoghi della Terra; tante guerre ci sono oggi... Interessiamoci di quello che accade, aiutiamo chi soffre e preghiamo, perché la preghiera è la forza mite che protegge e sostiene il mondo.

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Europe's welcome of refugees from Ukraine and lessons learnt

This briefing paper provides an overview of the main challenges and promising practices related to more than one year of implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) and similar national temporary protection schemes,1 which were activated after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to grant people fleeing the war direct protection and access to a number of residence and socio-economic rights. It is based on an internal Caritas Europa survey with responses from 21 member organisations working daily for and with refugees from Ukraine.