ROME - Monday Nov. 19 marks 1000 days of war in Ukraine, and accordingly the Catholic community organisation Sant'Egidio is emphasising the continued need for support in its humanitarian mission in the country. 

 As Ukraine descends into winter, conditions are expected to dramatically worsen both on the front line and at home, with average daily temperatures below freezing. 

 And meanwhile, the defence against Russian forces continues, with the UN-estimated death toll of 12 thousand civilians only rising each day. On both sides, one million soldiers are expected to have been killed or wounded. According to Sant'Egidio, one in two Ukrainian families are in need of humanitarian aid. 

 The country's infrastructure has taken a significant hit too, with 65% of power plants damaged, severely affecting important supplies of heating, water and electricity. 

 Against all this, the Ukrainian division of the Sant'Egidio Community has maintained its humanitarian support, opening five centres for people who have been displaced, and nine Schools for Peace for children who have been traumatised by the conflict.

 The organisation has sent 153 shipments of humanitarian aid, together worth 27 million euros. Two million people have been provided medical aid, and 450,000 have been assisted with food, clothing and hygiene. 

 Yet despite this, the organisation emphasises the ongoing need for sustained support and donations as the war rages on. 'After 1000 days of war, investing in help for the population is the only way to ensure a future for Ukraine'. 

 Donations can be made to the Sant'Egidio humanitarian project here: Comunità di Sant’Egidio

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