On just one night in June, 400 Russian drones and 18 missiles were fired across Ukraine causing widespread devastation. Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was the main focus of the attack. Civilians were killed, people were injured, and homes were damaged including in the capital, Kyiv.
Julia Goldenberg is the Director of 2U, one of our local Ukrainian partners operating in Kyiv. Together, we are providing critical home repairs to damaged homes. Following the Russian attack, Julia reflected on what it meant to be living in a community under fire.
“Since the full-scale invasion there are no safe locations in Ukraine. Kyiv, a unique and ancient European capital, is no exception.
Russian attacks have become more cruel and frequent following presidential elections in the US. Since this March, Kyiv has been heavily shelled. It used to be once in two weeks, then every 10 days, then once a week, and now less than a week… non-stop.
Last Friday’s attack seemed to be the most awful, as we haven’t experienced anything like that during the last three years of the full-scale invasion. Drones surrounding the city, explosions followed one another… it had only been a week since this last crime against humanity, civilians and cultural heritage – and the attack yesterday was significantly louder and more intense.
Their idea is to make life of civilians unbearable and to destroy whatever possible – schools, university, medical institution, residential building and private homes. Sleepless nights, fatigue, frustration…
This Thursday, Russians damaged whole quarters in different districts in Kyiv. My building, where I have a flat, was also damaged. Neighbours lost their windows. Thank G-d, our flat is ok.
In total – only in one day, and only in Kyiv – Russian’s destroyed 12 residential houses across 8 districts of Kyiv. Those who have survived and whose flats could be fixed are really lucky and could be helped by us; but there are a lot of those who are homeless now and need a new place to live.
Every day, Russia is increasing the number of damaged homes, displaced people and lost lives. We are speaking about thousands of people in need.
In Ukraine, June saw the highest monthly civilian casualties in three years with 232 people killed and 1,343 injured (UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), June 10, 2025).
So, it is really important to support Ukrainians under such terrible times.
People are exhausted, and it is impossible to plan anything because now pretty often drones and ballistics are attacking different locations all day long. Ukrainians need to know they are not abandoned, they are supported. And it shouldn’t be endlessly words, it should be actions as if Ukrainian civilians give up – and they are the main target now – Ukraine will give up as well.”
– Julia Goldenberg, Director, 2U
As Russia continues its relentless assault on Ukraine, World Jewish Relief and its partners continue to provide a lifeline for Ukrainians in need. Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have reached 388 locations in Ukraine and supported 327,331 people, both within and beyond the Jewish community since the war began in 2022.
This includes life-saving humanitarian aid, home repairs, home care and active ageing programs for vulnerable Jews and older people, educational and psychological support for families, and livelihood development. We have also assisted thousands of Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Moldova and the UK, helping them to rebuild their lives.