For several years, Ukraine has faced a complex political and security environment, marked by armed conflict and significant economic challenges. In this context, many international governments, organizations, NGOs, and private companies have been involved in humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and stabilization efforts across the country.
However, the ongoing conflict continues to raise serious concerns regarding the safety, security, and health of employees working in or traveling to Ukraine.
This article provides an overview of the current security and medical situation and offers practical guidance to help organizations better protect their staff operating in a high-risk environment.
Security Situation in Ukraine
Armed clashes are mainly concentrated in the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine. While cities such as Kyiv and Lviv, located in the western part of the country, are less affected by ground fighting, they remain exposed to security risks, particularly due to increased Russian aerial attacks, including missile strikes and drone operations.
These attacks sometimes target civilian infrastructure, such as residential buildings, resulting in severe human consequences. For example, on January 23, 2024, missile strikes in Kyiv caused fatalities and numerous injuries among civilians.
During periods of heavy bombardment, disruptions to essential services, water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications are frequent, significantly affecting daily life and reducing the country’s resilience. Air-raid sirens are regularly activated to warn the population, although the unpredictability of attacks continues to pose serious risks.
Ukraine’s air defense system remains relatively effective but faces limitations, particularly due to shortages of anti-aircraft ammunition and interceptors, which are essential for protecting airspace.
Medical Situation
Despite extensive damage caused by the conflict, the healthcare system continues to operate in government-controlled areas. Approximately 20% of medical professionals have been lost due to the war, but staff redeployment and international support have helped maintain essential services.
Hospitals are generally well supplied thanks to foreign donations. However, there is a shortage of ambulances, many of which are allocated to military use. A nationwide curfew is in place from midnight to 5:00 a.m., during which only ambulances are authorized to operate.
In the event of a serious medical emergency, the national emergency number (103) can be contacted to direct patients to designated hospitals.
International economic and humanitarian activity in ukraine
Despite the ongoing conflict, many foreign companies, NGOs, and international organizations remain active in Ukraine, particularly in sectors such as humanitarian aid, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, digital services, agriculture, and reconstruction.
Although a large number of expatriates have left the country since the start of the conflict, local operations continue in several regions, and short-term international business travel has gradually resumed under strict security conditions.
Recommandations for NGOs in Ukraine
Security Recommendations
Use the Air Alert mobile application to receive real-time information on air strikes by location.
Limit travel to essential missions in Kyiv and the regions of Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Ternopil, and Zakarpattia.
Postpone all travel to other regions whenever possible.
Ensure that travelers are fully informed about security and health risks and trained in appropriate personal safety measures, including how to respond to air-raid sirens.
Develop, implement, and regularly update emergency response and evacuation plans.
Maintain close coordination with local authorities and security services to monitor developments.
Medical Recommendations:
- Ensure employees are vaccinated according to international medical guidelines.
- Due to the highly specialized structure of the healthcare system, medical practitioners may not always have a comprehensive view of patient care; medical evacuation or repatriation may be required in certain cases.
- Identify reliable healthcare facilities in advance in all areas of operation.
- Be aware that the quality of healthcare varies significantly by region. Outside major cities, medical facilities are limited, and English-speaking staff or translation services may not be available.
In cases of serious injury or illness, medical evacuation may be necessary and can be extremely costly. Comprehensive medical and repatriation insurance is therefore strongly recommended.
Insurance for Employees Traveling to Ukraine
Insurance coverage for individuals in Ukraine is limited. Only a small number of specialized insurers offer coverage, often at high premiums. The following types of insurance may be available:
- Medical Repatriation Assistance: Medical repatriation insurance can be obtained for travelers on short-term missions and for expatriates in Ukraine. Medical repatriation in Ukraine is only feasible by road to reach a neighboring country (Poland, Romania) and then continue repatriation by air. The on-site conditions are decisive for logistical feasibility, and personnel safety remains a priority.
- Emergency Medical Expense Insurance: It is also possible to subscribe to insurance that covers emergency and unforeseen medical expenses. Comprehensive health insurance for long stays (over 12 months) is currently more difficult to obtain.
- Accidental Death or Disability Insurance: This insurance is available with a war risk extension to cover accidents resulting from acts of war (bombing, mine explosion, etc.). The insured individual must not take an active part in the conflict. The budget is closely linked to the requested death benefit.
- Crisis Management Insurance (Kidnapping, Threats, Extortion): This insurance is also possible for both short and long-term missions. The budget is strongly influenced by the guaranteed financial amount and the locations of the employees.
These insurances are available within a group plan and are subscribed by the employer.
Finally, the occupied Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea are excluded from all these guarantees.
The security situation in Ukraine remains very deteriorated and volatile throughout the country. No part of the country is safe from strikes or military operations. The whole of the country remains a war zone. Our advice is, of course, to limit travel to Ukraine. Your safety is greatly compromised. If you are going to Ukraine, plan your trip carefully and take out comprehensive insurance.
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