Skip to main content
Korczowa's temporary accommodation site, southeastern Poland.

MSF mobilises response in Ukraine and nearby countries as conflict escalates

War in Gaza:: find out how we're responding
Learn more

Find out the latest information on our response to the war in Ukraine.

As hundreds of thousands of people in Ukraine are forced to escape the escalating conflict, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is working on setting up emergency response activities in the country. We are also sending teams to Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. 

As the conflict escalates, our teams are assessing the needs of people crossing borders and are responding to humanitarian needs. We are also present in Belarus and Russia, and are ready to provide humanitarian assistance. 

In Ukraine, our teams have distributed kits to treat war-wounded people in Mariupol. We have also provided a training for trauma care, via telemedicine (remote medical care conducted via video link), for 30 surgeons from eastern Ukraine. 

Medyka border crossing point, Poland
At the Polish border town of Medyka organisations donate clothes and food to Ukrainians who have fled their homes in the wake of the conflict. Poland, 28 February 2022.
MSF

Our emergency teams have arrived at the Polish-Ukrainian border and are currently trying to get essential staff and supplies into Ukraine, and set up emergency response activities across both sides of the border. Teams will also carry out assessments along Ukraine’s border with Russia and Belarus. 

With active fighting ongoing, determining the true extent of medical needs in Ukraine remains challenging. Our teams are preparing for a range of scenarios, which will allow us to step up our response accordingly. 

At the Ukraine-Poland border checkpoints we are seeing people cross over on foot, in cars and on buses, many tired and exhausted, and some with children as young as 25 days old. 

Many of those crossing the Polish border told us they spent long hours in queues in freezing temperatures. Some were dehydrated and others suffered from hypothermia. We have donated basic shelter items to a reception shelter in Poland and are working to step up our response. 

Up Next
Ukraine
Project Update 18 July 2022