­­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.

Between October and November 2025,we were proud to work alongside Worldwide Vets on a vital animal welfare mission in Odesa Oblast, southern Ukraine.

Following our last update on the Ukraine Animal Aid Project, we’re pleased to share more about the work your support is making possible.

As winter approaches, our teams and partners in Ukraine are working tirelessly to help animals survive the months ahead.

Sterilising cats and dogs living on the streets of Ukraine promotes animal welfare in the short and long term through various means.