Malteser International – the Order of Malta’s international relief agency – is preparing to increase the provision of aid to those fleeing  Ukraine in these hours. Hundreds of thousands of people are already on the run, inside the country and in neighbouring states. “We expect the number of displaced people to increase further in the coming days. The supply situation in Ukraine itself is becoming increasingly difficult. What is particularly needed are everyday medicines, as well as cots, blankets, food and money,” says Oliver Hochedez, head of Malteser International’s emergency aid department.

“At the moment, there is no way through, the streets of big cities are full of people wanting to get themselves and their families to safety. In some places there is only rationed food and a maximum of 20 litres of petrol per car. The queues in front of shops are very long. People wait outside pharmacies all day,” says Hochedez.

“We are in close contact with the Order of Malta’s relief corps in Ukraine and the Order of Malta’s embassy in Kiev – but also with the Order’s other entities in neighbouring countries. We can rely on a large network operating in many of Ukraine’s neighbouring countries. Together we will provide all possible support to people in need and do everything to alleviate the suffering of the population,” says Clemens Graf von Mirbach-Harff, Secretary General of Malteser International.

The Order of Malta has been active in Ukraine since the 1990s. Through Malteser International, it provides psychological support projects for displaced people, and supports the poor and disadvantaged population by distributing hot meals in soup kitchens. On Thursday 24 February, an aid transport containing mobile soup kitchens and medical supplies left Germany and is on its way to the affected areas.

For those who wish to help, all donation details are available on the website of Malteser International
https://www.malteser-international.org/en/our-work/europe/ukraine.html