In Ukraine, Fathers are fighting for their children. See how we're providing support Learn More

It’s Father’s Day, John, and the war in Ukraine is still raging — and taking a devastating toll on children.

Below is a short update on the latest conditions in Ukraine, followed by some photos and stories of fathers who are striving to protect their families from the impacts of the war.

April was the deadliest month for children in Ukraine in more than three years. Missile attacks, drones, and other explosive weapons — often in urban areas, including Kyiv — are responsible for the majority of these casualties.

A Save the Children team member in Ukraine recently provided this update:

“Sadly, the war continues to affect every corner of Ukraine — the shelling has not ceased, and civilians are bearing the heavy cost. Save the Children is there for families who have lost everything — their loved ones, their homes, their sense of security. Many have nowhere to go. It’s difficult to put these emotions into words: we see tears in the eyes of those affected, but also deep gratitude for the support they receive.”

Click here to learn more about our ongoing humanitarian response in Ukraine — including several videos showing our work in action >>

This Father’s Day, take a moment to meet some of the fathers we’ve worked with who are helping their children through this prolonged war.

This is Ihor*, 52, and his son Myroslav*, 12.

Myroslav has often been unable to attend school in person since the war started. He joked that he might “go blind soon” from staring at the computer screen so much — but the challenges of learning during war are no laughing matter.

Ihor has been helping his son stay engaged with his schoolwork despite these challenges. Due to lingering explosives on the ground near their home in Kharkiv, it likely won’t be safe for Myroslav to return to the classroom anytime soon.

This is Vadym*, 48, and his son Danylo*, 14.

They lived a quiet life growing vegetables until the fighting reached their region of Ukraine. On their way out of the village, their family’s car was trapped in shelling. Danylo’s grandmother was killed, and his legs were injured.

When they returned home after eight months, they found their house had been destroyed by shelling. Now, they live in temporary modular housing as Vadym collects construction materials to restore their family home.

And finally, this is Polina*, 14, and her father, Bohdan*.

As the war escalated near their home in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, they faced a shortage of food and hygiene products. Eventually, they made the difficult decision to leave home, borrowing fuel from friends to make the journey to Dnipro.

When they left, Polina’s family packed essentials like documents, phones and hygiene items, anticipating a swift return. However, Polina also prioritized one special item: “We took my big pillow! It is huge! It took up a lot of space in our car!” she joked. And my father says, ‘You shouldn't have taken it! Why did you take it?’”

Even when on the run during war or rebuilding their homes, fathers and father figures around the world are doing whatever it takes to keep their kids safe, healthy and even laughing — no matter what. Take a moment this Father’s Day to see how we’re supporting children across Ukraine.

From Ukraine to Sudan to Gaza to here in the U.S., we all want what’s best for our children. Thank you for all that you do to support kids, fathers and families across the globe.

With gratitude,

Save the Children