Ukraine: Staying Close Despite the Danger

Published

On World Humanitarian Day, we draw attention to the difficult but extremely important work that HelpAge social workers carry out in Ukraine every day.

Iryna Zinchenko is one of them. Several times a month, she visits each of the 15 older people entrusted to her care – participants in the HelpAge project in the city of Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk region, which is constantly under rocket attacks. Hundreds of displaced older people who were forced to flee the war have found temporary shelter here. Sadly, the war has caught up with them even in this new place.

Iryna provides psychosocial support, humanitarian aid, counselling, and refers people to other humanitarian organisations when needed. Most importantly, she is always there when support is needed.

“Yes, sometimes it’s very hard for me,” says Iryna. “When I talk to people in deep depression, I try to support them, listen, and calm them down. Such empathy brings strong emotional fatigue. But when I see joy in their eyes – it gives me strength. They trust me, and that is the greatest reward. After night shelling, I call them to reassure them, and they… comfort me. That’s what inspires me.

When I see genuine joy from the aid they receive, or when those in my care don’t want to let me go – I understand that I must be there, despite the fatigue, air raids, and risks. The help we provide is vital. And their gratitude is priceless. I have no right to stop.”

Among the older people that Iryna supports is 100-year-old Tetiana, who moved in 2022 to Kamianske from Kramatorsk, Donetsk region. Later, her relatives had to go further, and she stayed with her daughter.

I used to have a big family, but because of the war, everyone scattered. My daughter and I are alone now in a strange city. Fortunately, I met Iryna. And I realised that the most valuable thing is knowing that there is someone nearby who will always come to help. I know I can reach out to her at any time. And that is the most important thing for me – to know that I haven’t been left behind in these difficult circumstances.

100-year-old Tetiana.

69-year-old Olena, also IDP from Kramatorsk, adds: “This support is a pillar for me – care, hope, and humanity. I don’t feel abandoned. It is vital. Iryna’s support helps me preserve my love for life and faith in a better future.”

For me, it’s not just about delivering humanitarian aid. I want each person to feel that they are not alone. That is the core of our mission. Aid is not only about handing out essential items. It is about care, presence, and trust.

Iryna Zinchenko.

World Humanitarian Day 2025

So far in 2025, 383 humanitarian workers have lost their lives across 27 countries. Since 7 October 2023, at least 508 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, the majority of whom were Palestinian. 

Too often, this crisis is met with silence or short-lived outrage. States and other actors promise to protect humanitarian workers, but the promises are not upheld.

Read how HelpAge works to make humanitarian support more inclusive of older people