Ukraine

After Russia, the Ukrainian Republic was the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing about four times the output of the next-ranking republic.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine became an independent state. The Ukrainian government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led to some backtracking. Ukraine’s oligarch-dominated economy grew slowly but remained behind peers in the region and among Europe’s poorest.

Russia’s occupation of Crimea in March 2014 and ongoing Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine have hurt economic growth with the loss of a major portion of Ukraine’s heavy industry in Donbas and ongoing violence.

The population of Ukraine is approximately 44 million people. With around 22.4% of the population living in extreme poverty, Ukraine is one of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe.

Hungry For Life (HFL) has worked in Ukraine since 2004, helping groups engage in compassionate projects such as widow and orphan care, food programs, social assistance, and building projects. HFL’s projects are located primarily in the central east of the country.

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine by land, sea, and air in an attempt to overthrow the Ukrainian government and take control of the country. These attacks came from the north, east, and south, where Russia has the easiest access. Many of HFL's project partners and beneficiaries are affected and seeking safety by traveling west toward Zakarpattia.

Additionally, two HFL staff members, Chad and Mary Martz, have been living in the western area of Zakarpattia for the past year, strategically close to the bordering countries of Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Since the start of the war, Hungry For Life has been actively involved in emergency aid in all parts of the conflict zone. Despite the changing situation, HFL will continue to support our partners in Ukraine during this uncertain period.

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