Ukraine: Where Next?
The 24th of February is the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the consequent displacement of millions of people, destruction, injuries and loss of life. BASW remembers those who have been displaced and separated from their families and friends, those who have been injured and killed, and those living under the ongoing risk of attack.
Three years after the invasion of Ukraine the need for peace with justice is urgent. Some 43,000 Ukrainians have been killed[i], thousands injured and 4 million people have been internally displaced and another 6 million become refugees[ii]. Some 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured according to the Ministry of Defence[iii]. Civil society on both sides have a stake in ending this war.
The UK has welcomed some 210,000 Ukrainians on a special visa scheme[i]. Many social workers were involved in setting up ‘Homes for Ukraine’ and provided direct services and supported Ukrainians in communities. Many have shared their own homes with Ukrainian families or supported their friends and families who did. BASW has been active since the early days, providing support and guidance to social workers and critiquing the initially slow response of our government to the needs of displaced Ukrainians.
This point in time is being described by many as the worst for Ukrainians since the invasion. There are deep fears and uncertainty about the future.
International solidarity
Since almost the beginning, BASW members, IFSW Europe and social work associations around the continent have connected with social workers and other colleagues in Ukraine, provided direct support and solidarity, and explored on the ground the importance of building social work practices, values and solidarity in the midst of conflict and destruction.
We offer the following reflections from social workers who have been working with colleagues in Ukraine over the past three years and the role of social work in this disastrous war:
"In times of crisis, it can be the unseen threads of human connection that guide us through the storm."
"Social work transcends frameworks and structures; it is about building relationships, seeing, and supporting those who need us most. It’s true strength lies in the humanity we restore and the hope we inspire. With this approach we create sustainable change."
"Social work is not a quick fix; it’s a lifelong commitment to those in need, grounded in the belief that change is possible, no matter how long the journey."
"The road to rebuilding and healing may be long, but it begins with the courage to act and the conviction that, together, we can overcome the deepest challenges."
There are many other terrible conflicts in other parts of Europe and across the world. We remember them all and the importance of social workers staying true to our values in the hardest times.
As we head towards World Social Work Day, let’s reflect together on how we can support and encourage each other in the worst as well as the best of circumstances.
[i] https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/briefings/ukrainian-migration-to-the-uk/
[i] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yv75nydy3o
[ii] https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/ukraine/#:~:text=Emergencies&text=There%20are%20nearly%204%20million,(as%20of%20February%202025).&text=6.8%20million%20refugees%20from%20Ukraine,(as%20of%20February%202025).
