Save the Children Romania, in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in Romania, is running the 'Heating for Ukraine' campaign, a fundraising initiative aimed at purchasing electric generators for Kyiv and other communities in Ukraine severely affected by the destruction of energy infrastructure.

According to a press release issued on Monday, Save the Children has stood by refugee families since the very first days of the crisis, providing integrated support to address both the urgent and long-term needs of children and their parents, so that every child can regain stability, access to education and protection.

The situation of refugee children is described as 'particularly delicate.' Many of them have had to leave their schools and communities, losing the routine and sense of safety provided by their family and educational environment. These children face emotional trauma, anxiety and prolonged stress, while adolescents are exposed to the risk of social isolation and school dropout.

The findings of an analysis conducted by Save the Children highlight 'significant systemic obstacles and acute emotional vulnerabilities.' One in five children has been exposed to marginalisation, either in public spaces or at school. As regards emotional wellbeing, 43% of children fear the future, while 25% suffer from loneliness or sleep disorders.

Perceived support from adults is very limited: only 8% of children identify teachers as reference figures, while 91% rely exclusively on their parents. Six in ten children say they have a limited support network, often reduced to a single person.

Only 38% of children feel part of the local community and the sense of belonging is even lower among adolescents. Regarding a return to Ukraine, most children wish to return one day, but nearly half fear safety risks or the dramatic changes the country has undergone. The analysis shows that, beyond material and educational needs, children require constant emotional support, community reconnection and continuity in education in order to rebuild their routine, stability and confidence in the future.

'On 24 February 2026, four years have passed since the start of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia continues to bomb peaceful cities in Ukraine daily, to destroy civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, schools and hospitals. Attacks on facilities on which children's lives and health depend are particularly cynical. Attempts to leave millions of people without light and heating during the winter period are nothing but a deliberate manifestation of terror against the civilian population. We are deeply grateful to our international partners, donors and the Romanian people for the solidarity shown towards the Ukrainian people in these extremely difficult times,' said Ambassador of Ukraine to Romania Ihor Prokopchuk. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Iulia Carciog; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)