As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, millions of civilians continue to bear the brunt of one of the most devastating conflicts in recent history. The Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP), a global network of over 190 organizations operating in 181 countries, is calling on the United States and international partners to provide sustained support for Ukraine—not only through humanitarian aid but also through conflict and atrocity prevention initiatives.

“The war continues to bring immense suffering and destruction, and its effects extend far beyond Ukraine,” said AfP. “The international community must act decisively to protect civilians, uphold democracy, and prevent further atrocities.”

Humanitarian Toll and Atrocities

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has suffered over 30,000 civilian casualties, with 17.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Cities, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure have been severely damaged, and vulnerable populations—including women, children, the elderly, and the disabled—have faced disproportionate harm. Reports of atrocities, including killings, torture, sexual violence, and forced deportations of children, continue to emerge.

Over $500 billion will be needed for reconstruction over the next decade, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Ukrainians and the international community alike.

Global Implications and the Fight for Democracy

The conflict in Ukraine has become a defining front in the global struggle for democracy. Russian leaders have been emboldened by recent military gains and inconsistent international support, while democratic backsliding accelerates worldwide. The recent death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny underscores the ongoing dangers for citizens opposing authoritarian rule.

Simultaneously, other crises—including Sudan, Gaza, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—have captured global attention. AfP stresses that these concurrent crises must not divert resources or focus from Ukraine, where conflict and atrocity prevention remain possible and urgent.

Recommendations for International Action

AfP urges the U.S., EU, UN, NATO, and other partners to prioritize gender- and conflict-sensitive aid, civilian protection, and inclusive peacebuilding. Key recommendations include:

• Humanitarian Support: Sustain and expand funding for essential services, protection of civilians, and trauma-informed programs, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups.
• Peacebuilding: Support local organizations and activists, strengthen human rights monitoring, and ensure local ownership of initiatives.
• Diplomatic and Legal Measures: Leverage multilateral institutions to hold perpetrators accountable, strengthen Ukraine’s legal and forensic capacities, and maintain focus on conflict prevention despite other global crises.
• Private Sector Engagement: End business activity with Russia, divest from Russian investments, and accelerate energy transitions to reduce the conflict’s global economic leverage.

A Call to the World

AfP warns that failure to act risks prolonging civilian suffering, undermining democracy, and eroding international norms. “The world must stand with Ukraine, not just in responding to immediate crises but in preventing further harm,” the organization said.

The Alliance for Peacebuilding calls on all donors, governments, and civil society actors to unite behind Ukraine, centering the voices of those affected and building a future grounded in sustainable peace and democracy.