­­As we enter the fifth year of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, our help and support for the amazing Ukrainian volunteers and animal shelters is needed more than ever. Being in Ukraine for this sombre milestone gave myself and W&W Project Managers Gregg and Liliana, a first hand understanding of the challenging conditions everyone is living and working under.

Some stories begin quietly. Zhuzha’s began on the side of a highway near Tatarbunar a place where life is harsh, cars never slow down, and stray dogs survive on instinct alone. She was just one small soul among many, unnoticed by most, living day to day in the dust and noise.

With partners across Ukraine we have been able to keep working through an exceptionally hard year to feed, treat and sterilise roaming dogs and cats. The situation remains critical — shelters are stretched, frontline communities face continuing danger, and many animals still lack the basic care they need — but with your help we made measurable, lifesaving progress in 2025.

One winter’s day, our team received a call from an elderly grandmother. A cat was lying helpless on the street after being struck by a car. Without hesitation, we rushed to the scene.

Zhanna, one of our long-term partners, discovered Zinka in heartbreaking conditions, abandoned in a filthy kennel, without food or water. The little dog was weak and suffering from a severe infection. Zhanna knew there was no time to lose.