Cork charity founder on the ground seeing Ukraine war at first-hand

Four years after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a Cork charity is on the ground, bearing witness to attacks on civilians in homes, schools, and hospitals.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched the latest stage of its war on Ukraine, a conflict it began by occupying Crimea.

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies has estimated Russian military casualties at 1.2m, including 325,000 killed.

It put Ukrainian troop casualties at up to 600,000, including up to 140,000 killed.

According to the UN, 3.7m people are still internally displaced across Ukraine as of January, while a further 5.3m people have found refuge across Europe.

Irish charity The Greater Chernobyl Cause was founded in 2002 by Cork woman Fiona Corcoran, and has been working in Ukraine since then, focusing initially on helping people living with the aftermath of the worst nuclear accident in history.

The Cork charity’s efforts have resulted in the building and refurbishment of orphanages and hospices, the donation of vital domestic appliances and medical equipment, and the provision of shelter for vulnerable street children.

After-effects

The after-effects of the nuclear disaster are still being felt to this day, Ms Corcoran said yesterday, and the war has brought even more suffering to Ukraine.

“Just last night [Sunday] and into the early hours of this morning, terror gripped all areas of Ukraine as relentless strikes tore through homes, schools, and hospitals alike,” she said.

“I bore witness once again, listening to the horror of explosions ripping through the darkness, a terrifying reminder that this nightmare is far from over.”

Ms Corcoran said she had visited a children’s home in Pryluky, Chernihiv, which shelters 45 vulnerable children, some of whom are at the end of life, many with Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, and other disabilities.

“These children, many of them abandoned, are cared for by heroic staff, and one critical project we are committed to support is the installation of an elevator to bring children safely to sanctuary during air raids.

“Today, these children must be carried down dark stairwells by carers to the basement bomb shelter. A fire alarm system and many other essentials are desperately needed,” Ms Corcoran told The Echo.

“We urgently ask people to join us in delivering essential care, shelter, and hope to those profoundly affected by this devastating war.

“Your generosity is critical — it can save lives and help rebuild shattered futures. Stand with us.”

• Visit https://www.greaterchernobylcause.ie/ for more information, including how to donate.