Since February 2022, Ukraine has been in turmoil. Russia’s second military invasion of its neighbor has left a trail of destruction and millions of civilians destitute. Though the international community has remained vigilant, every bit of help counts for the civilians caught in the crossfire. But what does that help look like?

According to the United Nations, as of 2026, 10.8 million people in Ukraine need assistance, whether through food security, shelter, medicine or education. These criteria fall within the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals program, specifically the union’s third goal, which oversees health and well-being. In times of war, especially prolonged conflicts, this goal is crucial. Even the millions of refugees who fled the country are considered under this initiative and are covered under UN aid programs, including those within the nations they currently reside in.

Massive donations usually come in the form of international aid. USAID was one of Ukraine’s biggest donors in 2025, despite cuts to the program made by the Trump administration early that year. However, most of the aid comes from closer countries within the EU and UN, respectively. Here is more information about SDG 3 in Ukraine.

What Does The Aid Buy?

Ukraine has sustained nearly $200 billion in damages since the start of the war, with most aimed at infrastructure. Housing, hospitals, roads and bridges will take years to rebuild. Thankfully, those displaced by the conflict have help from both within and outside.

The EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations have provided much of the relief infrastructure, with more than 160,000 tonnes of recorded aid delivered. This includes power generators, water treatment facilities and medical equipment. In late 2025, an entire thermal power plant was deconstructed in Lithuania and transported to Ukraine to be rebuilt and supply power to one million Ukrainian residents. This joint effort between Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine was backed by EU support as the union’s “Largest-ever coordinated logistical operation to date.” This preceded talks about Ukraine joining the EU in mid-2026, which can only mean more aid moving forward.

The World Bank has similarly contributed infrastructure packages for medical and energy aid, but has also provided loans and resources aimed at human development in education and overall well-being. In 2026, they sent $3.2 billion worth of aid as part of their initiative to reach 500 million people worldwide by 2030.

They have helped hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children receive assistance for education and contributed social assistance payments to 8.5 million people. Everyday expenses are covered through 37 different aid programs.

Essentials like food and water are covered under these programs as well, but most of the actual products come from within Ukraine itself. Local farmers, bakeries, and distributors are funded through the UN’s World Food Program, and food is given to those who qualify. This helps maintain regional economies and not rely on imports. However, some products are still imported. Poland became one of the most prolific exporters of dairy products to Ukraine throughout 2024 and 2025, further strengthening international bonds with something as simple as a carton of milk.

What More Can Be Done?

All of these endeavors have gone toward the UN’s SDG 3 Initiative for Ukraine, ensuring the well-being of those still affected by the conflict who are trying to survive. For the time being, it keeps the lights on and ensures basic needs for those who have been displaced. Unfortunately, earlier cuts to USAID are affecting how much Ukraine is currently receiving. In 2025, the US sent over $18 billion in aid to Ukraine. In 2026, it is only a fraction at $760 million.

Updates on SDG 3 in Ukraine in 2026 are fewer than the previous year, and much more still needs to be done. However, there are charities that are using donations to address challenges, the most prevalent being United24, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s online platform. Similarly, contacting government representatives in support of aid for Ukraine and petitioning to protect USAID funding are effective ways to ensure that the proper funds go to people in need.

– Connor Seidel

Connor is based in Cambridge, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons