Kyiv July 2026

I visited Kyiv in September 2024. Within an hour of arriving an air raid siren sounded and found myself sheltering in the basement of a high school. I sat there with tears running down my face watching the children calmly continue their lessons despite the threat from overhead. And we keep going back.

In July 2026, Richard, Tony and Konrad spent two days on the ground in Ukraine. What follows is their account—and perhaps an insight into why we keep going back.

Richard, Dr Igor, Konrad and Tony

We spent the first morning at the Kyiv Heart Institute, meeting Dr Igor.

Handing out beautiful hand made dolls and teddies to children. Thank you to those who made and donated these wonderful gifts.

A beautiful afternoon with the truly wonderful team from Cross, talking about their work in the Donbas, the recent summer camp we supported and how we can continue to help them.

Our second day in Kyiv was as productive and chastening as the first. We met more of our partners, listened to their stories, bought generators and Powerbanks; sheltered during two air raid alerts.

The morning started with a meeting with a charity we haven’t yet worked with, Patriot, who do incredible work at the front lines, with internally displaced people and even internationally, helping spread the word. I was particularly struck by a project they’re doing to help women in combat roles. Hugely important work and something we might support. 

Then with Natasha from Cross again, buying a powerful generator and Powerbanks. 

Finally a detailed catch up with Oleksandr and Volodymr at From Person to Person. They’re about to travel to the Donbas again this weekend delivering the donations we recently received and sent over from the UK.  Their feedback was that the donations were just what’s needed. 

.

And Tony even got to play Jungle Book's “I’m the king of the swingers” with Volodymr! 

Then the long journey back on the train, listening to England lose and reflecting on our whistle stop two days in Kyiv. 

We often get asked, why do you go? Do you need to? There is no right answer, and the question always has to be asked. I’m sometimes not sure myself and hate causing worry and anxiety to family and friends but I was struck by a comment from Katya, at Cross Charity. She said that soldiers on the front line often tell her how it inspires them to see the Cross team coming out to see them in person. She now knows how they feel, as our visit helps and inspires her to continue with her vital work.

Thank you again to all our supporters; your efforts do matter

Richard Astle