Ukraine; three years after the invasion: how do responders work together?

February 24 of this year marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Numerous humanitarian actors have taken part in the large-scale humanitarian response that followed. The full-scale invasion war has resulted in a feeling of solidarity in many parts of the world. For instance, in the Netherlands, a public campaign (Giro 555) was launched almost immediately and has raised over 184 million euros. A significant response is still much needed considering the suffering of the Ukrainian people: OCHA estimates that in 2025, 2.7 million people – 36 % of the population – require humanitarian assistance.

As in many other humanitarian crises, national and local actors play an important role within the context of Ukraine. Many international humanitarian actors and donors have framed the response in Ukraine as a unique opportunity for localisation. The reality, however, has been different. Two important reports highlight the actual state of affairs of this, which will be presented in the meeting. 

• A report published by Refugees International found that international actors monopolise humanitarian response funding, leadership, and policy influence. It was estimated that less than 1% of humanitarian funding tracked by the UN has gone directly to L/NNGOs. 
• Another report was published by ODI in close cooperation with the Ukrainian researchers of Open Space Works. This report discusses, amongst other aspects, how clashing narratives have emerged: that localisation in Ukraine is a ‘success story’, while there is a clear critique from local actors about the quality of partnerships and concerns that progress hasn’t gone far enough, particularly in decision-making. 

Given recent developments, such as the USAID funding freeze, the conversation about collaboration between national and international partners has become even more important. To what extent have local NGOs been empowered by their partnerships with INGOs, and how will they navigate the challenges ahead as international organizations pull out?

• Nicholas Noe, Senior Fellow at Refugees International.
• Maryana Zaviyska, Co-founder and Research Lead at Open Space Works.
• Oleksandra Kirtoka (TBC), Program and Project Manager at the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organisations

The session will be moderated by Corinne Lamain, coordinator of KUNO.

Please register via: kuno@kuno-platform.nl with your name and organisation.

Picture through SV from Martina Martelloni