A unique sociological study was presented in Kyiv by the Blagomay Charity Fund, aimed at identifying the real state of well-being of children from vulnerable groups in the context of war.

The research covered over 800 respondents across Ukraine — parents, guardians, social workers, families of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and children with disabilities. The study was conducted in two phases: qualitative (focus groups in Kyiv, Dnipro, Lviv, Odesa, and Uzhhorod) and quantitative (telephone and online surveys).
 

Key Findings:

• 70% of families admitted they cannot provide even basic needs for their children:
  29.2% — clothing, 23.2% — food, 21.9% — education.

• More than half of the families (51.5%) need financial support for raising their children.

• Over 60% of families cannot afford extracurricular activities for their children (36.6% cannot pay for hobby groups, 32.9% cannot afford excursions or performances).

• Children are widely suffering from psychological problems triggered by the war (constant explosions, air raid sirens, traumatic events, negative news). As a result: fear, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and emotional isolation.

• Government aid is perceived as insufficient or merely formal (accounting for just 11% of all support). Bureaucracy overwhelms and degrades people. Respondents noted that the most effective support comes from charitable organizations (59.1%) and volunteers (14.5%).

• 22.1% of families cannot provide adequate living conditions for their children. Housing is often unsuitable due to high rents, discrimination against IDPs, and lack or inaccessibility of shelters, especially for people with disabilities.

• Online education is not seen as a full alternative: shortage of teachers, zero inclusion, and overloaded schools.

• Over 60% of respondents reported an increase in bullying (especially against children with special needs), aggression, and social exclusion among children.

• Families are less interested in receiving toys, stationery, books, or educational programs for parents.

• 45.9% of parents faced high costs of medical treatment for children; 43.9% noted the absence of free medicine.

• Only 42.2% of children surveyed have access to psychological help.

• Rehabilitation is a luxury for vulnerable families with children with disabilities. These families often lack access to rehabilitation services.

Children's Psycho-emotional State:

Respondents described the general emotional state of children as “anxious” and “exhausted.” Children tend to withdraw, avoid socialization, overuse gadgets, or become aggressive. Lack of state support forces some children into work. The lack of recreational opportunities leads to a loss of social connections.

What Kind of Help Works:

According to respondents, charitable organizations provide the most helpful support, both material (food, clothes, shoes) and emotional. Some organizations cover the costs of expensive medical procedures and diagnostics. Others sponsor educational services, including university tuition.

The most trusted organizations are those that involve beneficiaries in planning and distributing aid.

What Children and Their Families Expect from the State:

• Peace and safety;

• Dignified living and stable income;

• Development of school and extracurricular education, including inclusive education;

• Fair and transparent social policy and access to healthcare;

• Support for volunteering and moral values in society.

Blagomay Fund Recommendations:

• Regularly monitor the actual needs of children.

• Strengthen support for volunteer and charitable initiatives.

• Implement a flexible logistics, distribution, and aid control system.

• Improve communication about available charitable organizations and their aid — especially through social media, the most active communication channel among Ukrainians.

• Invest in security and educational infrastructure.

• Give families a choice between in-kind and financial assistance.

Panel Discussion:

As part of the research presentation, a panel discussion titled “Children’s Needs During Wartime in Ukraine: The Role of the State, Business, and Charitable Organizations” was held, featuring:

• Kira Syrotenko, Chairwoman of the Board, Blagomay Charity Foundation

• Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor-Commissioner of the President of Ukraine on Children’s Rights and Child Rehabilitation

• Lesia Syrota, Head of Retail Business Sales and Network Management Department, OTP Bank

• Myroslava Kharchenko, Legal Expert, Save Ukraine Charity Foundation

• Bohdan Marotta, Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

“Thanks to the results of this study, we have gained a deeper and broader understanding of the needs of vulnerable children across various regions of Ukraine — in particular, children from internally displaced families, large families, and children with disabilities. This data will serve as a foundation for providing targeted and effective assistance by NGOs and charitable foundations throughout Ukraine,” said Kira Syrotenko, Chairwoman of the Board of the Blagomay Charity Fund.

She emphasized that Blagomay will base the strategies of its future projects and the planning of aid for children on the findings of this sociological study.

The Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights and Child Rehabilitation, Daria Herasymchuk, stressed the importance of building effective cooperation between the state, the non-governmental sector, and business, noting that the efficiency of such cooperation has significantly improved since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion.

“Today, every dialogue between the state, NGOs, and business is extremely important. Every conversation aimed at saving and meeting the needs of Ukrainian children is crucial. The more united we are, the more focused and effective the support children will receive,” said the Presidential Advisor.

The business sector is also actively involved in supporting children. Assisting children from vulnerable categories is one of the key priorities of the OTP Bank Helps Ukraine charity project. The project focuses on charitable initiatives in the areas of children’s mental health, healthcare, and recreation.

“It is important for businesses to be involved and to help. There is a real need. And today’s research confirms that. We, as a business, are helping and will gladly continue to do so,” stated Lesia Syrota, Director of Retail Sales and Network Management Department at OTP Bank.

At the same time, the OTP Bank representative underlined the importance of providing sustainable support rather than implementing one-time projects:

“Children need help during the war. We are living in a time when children's mental health is severely affected. And this may not show today — but in a year, two, or three. The consequences could be devastating,” added Lesia Syrota.

The panelists concluded that in order to improve the conditions for children’s growth in Ukraine, parents must listen and truly hear their children, enhance their parenting skills — especially trust within the family — and ensure both physical and emotional safety.

Government, civil society, and businesses must strengthen coordination, continue conducting similar research to stay informed about children's needs, and ensure consistent support. They must also remain flexible and adaptive in the face of limited resources to deliver the most effective aid possible.

The state should foster the development of strong communities and businesses that are capable of funding essential initiatives, as well as simplify bureaucratic processes and improve public awareness about available support.

Of course, the greatest need of children today is the preservation of life in the midst of the brutal and merciless war that russia has waged against Ukraine.

This study is the voice of hundreds of families, children, and social workers. Blagomay calls on the government, business, and society to unite in action to create a safe and dignified future for every child in Ukraine.
 

You can read the full report from the study at the following link:
https://charitymay.com/uk/news/doslidzhennya-potrebi-ditej-pid-chas-vijni-v-ukrayini-2025-chogo-brakuye-dityam-i-yak-mi-mozhemo-dopomogti/
 

The Blagomay Charity Fund has been operating since 2012, and over the years has provided assistance to more than 1.6 million Ukrainians. In 2024, the Foundation was ranked among the TOP 50 charitable foundations in Ukraine by Forbes Ukraine.