A year on from the start of the war in Ukraine, a Christian charity has said the needs of the country have changed from the early days of the invasion. 

The western world watched in horror as Russian tanks drove across the border in early 2022, and within days aid groups were already on the ground. 

More than eight million Ukrainians were displaced, so an urgent call for homes and sponsors echoed across Europe. 

In the UK alone, thousands of potential sponsors set into action, but a year on the plea for help has evolved.

Anatoly Sapsay has been working with Christian charity Innovista to organise aid through churches in Ukraine. He says that most of those that intended to leave have already gone, and therefore the need for sponsors has greatly diminished. 

However, the stark reality of a Ukrainian winter, often without heat, energy, or even a home, rages on. 

He told Premier Christian News: “There were several shifts through the year, because migration took approximately first four or five months, then migration suddenly stopped. Because all those who will have were willing to leave, they left the country. 

“The next question was ‘what to do with those who stayed?’ So some were in the in need of jobs some were in need of a place to live to stay. So some churches were able to help in these questions, then the blackout starts and there was a rush to build the infrastructure, and new challenges like lack of light, lack of warmth. Also phase of work,  was to bring some food for people to help with food. So it was changing. 

“Now, the main question Ukraine everyone is asking is ‘when is the war going to be over?’ that will be a next phase of changing how to respond - the rebuilding houses, bringing churches back to some places where they're gone now. 

“Summer is coming, this is good. But next winter is not far.”