The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to deepen as the conflict enters its third year, prompting the Swiss charity Glückskette (Chain of Goodness) to renew its urgent appeal for donations. Millions of Ukrainians, particularly children, women and the elderly, have been displaced, seeking refuge in neighboring countries or within safer regions of Ukraine itself. As of February 16, 2026, Glückskette is actively supporting displaced people through partnerships with organizations operating within Ukraine, as well as in Poland, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Switzerland.
The scale of the need is immense. The United Nations estimates that 17.6 million people in Ukraine currently require humanitarian assistance. Over 8 million Ukrainians have sought refuge in other European countries, while another 5.9 million are internally displaced within Ukraine, according to data from February 22, 2023. Critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and maternity clinics, has suffered extensive damage since the start of the war.
A Diminishing Pool of Funds
Glückskette has already deployed 80% of the CHF 137.3 million (approximately $156.5 million USD as of February 16, 2026) in donations received since 2022. This makes it the second-largest fundraising campaign in the foundation’s history. The organization is expressing concern that long-term assistance is becoming increasingly uncertain as international humanitarian funding dwindles. According to a statement released on February 20, 2025, the need remains “immense” and the population is “at the complete of their strength.”
How Glückskette is Allocating Aid
Since 2022, Glückskette has financed 134 projects, providing support to 4.9 million people in Ukraine and surrounding countries. These efforts are carried out in collaboration with partner organizations including Caritas, the Swiss Red Cross, Helvetas, Medair, and Terre des hommes. Key areas of focus include:
- Support for Internally Displaced Persons: Providing financial assistance (cash assistance), psychological support, and shelter.
- Infrastructure Repair: Rebuilding homes and essential infrastructure to enable families to return to safe living conditions.
- Medical Care Access: Reconstructing medical facilities and providing care for vulnerable populations.
The Broader Humanitarian Context
The situation in Ukraine remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges globally. The Glückskette’s appeal comes as the international community grapples with donor fatigue and shifting geopolitical priorities. The organization emphasizes the importance of continued solidarity to address the ongoing needs of the Ukrainian people. The Glückskette’s alarm echoes concerns raised by other humanitarian organizations regarding the sustainability of aid efforts as the conflict drags on.
Donations to Glückskette’s Ukraine crisis relief fund can be made online at www.glueckskette.ch or via postal transfer to account number 10-15000-6, with the reference “Krise in der Ukraine” (Crisis in Ukraine).
The organization is committed to ensuring that donations are used efficiently and effectively, employing controls and evaluations to maximize impact. This commitment to transparency and accountability is central to Glückskette’s mission and its appeal to the Swiss public.
Looking ahead, Glückskette will continue to monitor the evolving humanitarian situation in Ukraine and adapt its programs to meet the most pressing needs. The next update on fundraising totals and project implementation is expected in late March 2026, according to the organization’s communications team.
If you’ve been affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, or wish to support relief efforts, please consider donating to Glückskette or other reputable humanitarian organizations. Share this article to aid raise awareness and encourage support for those in need.
