On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine and began launching missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, shelling military and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, and advancing across the country with the goal of overthrowing the democratically-elected Ukrainian government. Major Ukrainian cities, including Mariupol, Kharkiv, and the capital, Kyiv, continue to suffer attacks by the Russian military. Russian forces have indiscriminately targeted kindergartens, hospitals, orphanages, and aid corridors, forcing millions of people to flee or seek safety in bomb shelters.

In March, HRF partnered with Operation Sunflower, a coalition of Ukrainian and United States relief teams delivering humanitarian aid to Ukrainians. Our coalition worked directly with the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, local district leaders, Ukrainian business leaders, NGOs, civil society organizations, and volunteers to coordinate, receive, and distribute aid throughout 12 of Ukraine’s most vulnerable regions.

In October, HRF began a partnership with Renegade Relief Runners, an international team of volunteers focused on delivering food, water filters, generators, medical aid, and hygiene products to recently liberated areas in Ukraine. These areas are particularly vulnerable, since many of them are still on the front line, endure regular attacks, and lack basic supplies and communication.

HRF also worked with Open Minds Institute to coordinate informational campaigns in Russia to fight propaganda and cultivate media pluralism. HRF is helping connect Open Minds Institute to experts and donors with the ultimate goal of exposing Putin’s war and undermining his dictatorship.