A new project by the Italian NGO, which has been present in the country since 2022, is underway in partnership with the Ukrainian organization Bukovinian Agency for Initiatives and Development, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Rome, February 20th, 2026 – It is called “SPARK” and aims to provide support to the many people still in need in Ukraine: this is the new emergency intervention by the Italian NGO Un Ponte Per (UPP), active in the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion (2022), thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Ukraine continues to face enormous difficulties since the large-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. The United Nations estimates that 10.8 million people are in need, particularly in the regions most exposed to continuous bombing, such as Kharkiv and Sumy, where the “SPARK” project will intervene. Here, essential services are lacking, most homes and schools have been destroyed, leaving the most vulnerable people in a situation of enormous psychological stress. Women and girls are also particularly exposed to gender-based violence, and caregivers are at risk of burnout.

Thanks to the support of MAECI and AICS, UPP will support the lead consortium organization Bukovinian Agency for Initiatives and Development (BAID) and local partner Rokada Charitable Foundation with interventions on several fronts over the next two years. The aim of the intervention is to provide multi-sectoral assistance and guarantee access to basic services for the most vulnerable groups, ensuring protection, psychological support, continuity in school services, and food security.

Among the many activities planned, which aim to reach over 65,000 people, there will be distributions of basic necessities kits (food, winter supplies, seeds), training for caregivers in psychological support, emergency psychology, and first aid; as well as the promotion and dissemination of campaigns to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and training for legal professionals on rights and procedures to be implemented in emergencies. School continuity will also be guaranteed for children through the organization of remedial courses.

UPP will therefore continue to stand by the affected civilian population in Ukraine, thanks to the valuable work of its local partners and the support of MAECI and AICS.