For over three years, Fondation de France has been mobilizing in response to the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, supporting populations affected by conflict, internally displaced, or refugees in neighboring countries. With recent weeks marked by unprecedentedly violent attacks, even reaching areas previously relatively spared, Fondation de France now focuses its support on associative partners active in Ukraine and Moldova, addressing urgent needs with rapid response.
To meet humanitarian emergencies, protect civilians, and provide comprehensive support to displaced individuals, the foundation collaborates with three major associations: Angels of Salvation, dedicated to emergency aid and reconstruction; X-Traverse, building secure shelters in the most vulnerable areas; and East SOS, providing secure spaces and targeted humanitarian, legal, and psychological support. Here is an overview of their operations.
Key Takeaways
- Fondation de France has been supporting Ukrainians for over three years, responding to escalating attacks and growing humanitarian needs.
- Angels of Salvation provides emergency relief, delivers food and hygiene products, rebuilds infrastructure, and has supported more than five million people.
- X-Traverse builds reinforced bomb shelters equipped with autonomous power, heat, and water systems, protecting civilians in high-risk regions like Kharkiv.
- East SOS supports displaced individuals through safe spaces that offer psychosocial care, legal aid, cultural activities, and essential services.
- Mobile teams and a national hotline ensure displaced people—including families, the elderly, and disabled individuals—receive urgent assistance.
- U.S. donor support helps Fondation de France deliver protection, relief, and long-term resilience for communities affected by ongoing conflict.
Support Emergency Relief for Ukraine
Meeting Urgent Humanitarian Needs
Angels of Salvation operates across Ukraine, addressing immediate humanitarian needs of civilians affected by conflict. Their priority is saving lives and alleviating immediate suffering. Beyond emergency relief, the association aids the restoration of essential infrastructure, enhancing long-term self-sufficiency and quality of life.
Teams are deployed in frontline regions including Donetsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Mykolaiv. Angels of Salvation coordinates tailored support for community-specific needs with local actors and humanitarian organizations. Since the conflict’s onset, the association has assisted over five million individuals, distributing food and hygiene products to 400,000 beneficiaries, rehousing 230,000 people, and providing legal or consultative support to over 100,000.
Protecting At-Risk Populations
In the heavily affected Kharkiv region, X-Traverse designed and reconstructed a bomb shelter for up to 200 people. Built as a reinforced bunker, the shelter provides safe, autonomous refuge during bombardments. Equipped with independent energy, heating, and water systems, the facility remains operational even amid service disruptions. Officially inaugurated in March 2025 following months of construction, a pilot phase allowed initial beneficiaries to familiarize themselves with operational procedures and safety rules.
Since launching in August 2023, significant enhancements include a dedicated children’s area, transport services for users, secured access, and surrounding area rehabilitation. During the pilot phase, 65 people, including 30 children, found refuge in the structure amidst harsh winter conditions exacerbating vulnerability.
“Thanks to Fondation de France’s unwavering support and flexibility, we’ve provided security, dignity, and hope to families deeply affected by the conflict,” stated Daredzhan Omarova, an association representative.
Supporting Displaced Populations with Safe Spaces
Since the conflict began, Ukraine has faced massive population displacement. Millions have fled their homes, becoming internally displaced or refugees abroad, often living precariously.
To address urgent needs like healthcare, shelter, and psychological support, Fondation de France backs East SOS, which creates secure locations for displaced individuals. Known as Zatyshno Space or Safe Place, these spaces, located across six Ukrainian cities, have hosted over 14,000 displaced persons, providing comprehensive support including psychosocial assistance, educational and cultural activities, skills workshops, and community gatherings. These facilities offer essential resources and social connections amid extreme uncertainty.
Alongside these safe spaces, East SOS delivers humanitarian, legal, and psychological aid, emphasizing support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and families with children. Active in conflict-affected areas, the association organizes evacuations, legal and psychological support, and documentation of human rights violations, advocating notably for mandatory evacuations of families with children from high-risk zones.
From the early weeks of conflict, East SOS established an accessible assistance hotline. To date, over 581,000 calls have been processed, directing individuals to appropriate services and providing legal or psychological guidance.
To assist populations in isolated areas, mobile support teams of psychologists and legal advisors operate directly in coordination with local authorities and reception centers.
We are grateful to our U.S. donors who have made it possible to support Fondation de France’s emergency relief efforts in Ukraine over the past three years. Your generosity continues to bring vital aid, protection, and hope to those most affected by the ongoing conflict. To learn more about this program, visit this page.
Translated and adapted from French, originally published by Fondation de France.
