Ukrainian refugees began arriving in Moldova immediately after Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine three-and-a-half years ago.

Although the Moldovan government provides some financial support and some refugees are allowed to work, life is not easy for the 98,000 Ukrainians who have remained in this small country in southeastern Europe.

Many Moldovans have been helping Ukrainian refugees since 2022.

The Ukrainian House in the capital, Chisinau, runs educational, cultural and social integration courses for the Ukrainian community. It was founded by Dmitrii Lecartev, president of the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova. 

Local volunteers in the city of Orhei, too, regularly prepare and distribute food packages to about 175 refugee families — a huge help for Ukrainian refugees who rely on external support.