Ninety-seven missions. More than four years. One unwavering promise: International Medical Relief continues to stand with Ukraine.

WARSAW, Poland — September 8, 2026 — More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians continue to live with displacement, uncertainty and limited access to essential services.

Throughout the crisis, International Medical Relief has continued to show up—through freezing winters, changing circumstances and fading headlines. Wherever the need remains, IMR’s commitment remains with it.

This week, that commitment reached another important milestone: IMR’s 97th Ukraine relief mission.

It has been 1,658 days since February 24, 2022, and IMR’s promise to serve the Ukrainian people has not wavered.

Ukrainian Ambassador, Vasyl Bodnar, Honors International Medical Relief

During the IMR deployment, Vasyl Bodnar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Poland, visited the team in Warsaw to meet with IMR volunteers and Ukrainian translators.

Ambassador Bodnar thanked International Medical Relief for its significant contribution to providing humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians in Poland. He also presented certificates of appreciation recognizing each volunteer’s service.

The visit served as a powerful reminder of the humanity, solidarity and mutual support that unite people—especially when help is needed most.

Essential Care and Support for Ukrainians in Poland

IMR’s volunteers work alongside Ukrainian translators and community partners to provide accessible humanitarian support to Ukrainians living abroad.

During the deployments, Ukrainians receive guidance, education, health and hygiene gifts, free reading glasses, hygiene products, toys and comfort items for children.

IMR volunteers care for older adults, people living with disabilities, individuals managing serious medical conditions and families rebuilding their lives after displacement.

Beyond providing care, teams help Ukrainian guests to better understand their health and navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems. Every conversation represents an opportunity to restore dignity, strengthen health literacy and remind them that they have not been forgotten.

Recognizing Community Support

Ambassador Bodnar also expressed special gratitude to Archpriest Serhii Sirenko, Head of the Chaplaincy Mission of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Warsaw.

Archpriest Sirenko was recognized for his spiritual care and support of Ukrainians, as well as his tireless work to preserve the spiritual and national identity of the Ukrainian community in Poland.

IMR believes that meaningful humanitarian care extends beyond the donated supplies gifted during each mission. Supporting Ukrainians in Poland requires every volunteer and community organization to work together so that each person can become a source of strength for another.

Volunteers Who Continue Choosing to Serve

“I just want to be able to possibly put a smile on their face or help however I can. Whatever I can do. I’m just very grateful for what we have in this country. I’m honored to go and help, and maybe this will inspire somebody else to do the same thing.” Jeannie Mueller, the chief medical officer for River Valley Family Health Center stated. 

A Promise That Does Not Expire

“This week, our IMR team is once again on the ground delivering supplies and standing alongside families whose resilience continues to inspire the world. Through uncertainty, displacement and ongoing hardship, our mission has not wavered. We continue to show up with compassion, consistency and unwavering support—because healing does not stop when the headlines fade.” She continued that IMR’s unwavering commitment connects IMR’s first Ukraine response to its 97th mission.

— Shauna King, President and Founder of International Medical Relief

Olga Kasian has also stated to an IMR team her humble appreciation as well. She thanked all the representatives of International Medical Relief for supporting the people of Ukraine:

“Many people desperately need your help and seek your support. You are truly compassionate people with open hearts, standing beside Ukrainians during this difficult time. It is deeply comforting to know that people from other countries are willing to stand with us and believe in us. Thank you very much.”

Each deployment is more than a number. It is a promise kept to families navigating uncertainty, from older generations to young children who deserve hope, and communities that continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage.

The journey is often arduous, but the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people continues to fuel IMR’s determination to serve.

Ninety-seven missions. More than four years. One promise that remains unchanged: International Medical Relief will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine.

Stand With Ukraine

International Medical Relief extends its gratitude to everyone who continues to support Ukrainians around the world, stand beside families facing difficult circumstances and create greater compassion and solidarity through their actions.

You can help IMR continue delivering essential supplies and hope to vulnerable Ukrainian families.

Volunteer on an IMR medical mission.

Donate to support International Medical Relief’s continuing work with Ukraine.

Volunteer with International Medical Relief:

https://internationalmedicalrelief.org/join-the-cause/volunteer-with-us/

Give. Donations help IMR deploy hygiene items and other essential support to Ukrainian communities in Poland and around the world.

Donate to International Medical Relief:
https://internationalmedicalrelief.org/join-the-cause/donate/

Frequently Asked Questions About IMR’s Ukraine Relief Missions

How many Ukraine relief missions has International Medical Relief completed?

International Medical Relief is currently conducting its 97th Ukraine relief mission. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, IMR teams have continued providing care, comfort, hope, humanitarian assistance and essential supplies to Ukrainians affected by war and displacement.

Where is International Medical Relief currently serving Ukrainians?

IMR volunteer teams have served Ukrainians throughout Europe since the war commenced.  Currently, IMR volunteers are serving Ukrainians in Poland. IMR has also delivered medical resources and supplies to healthcare facilities inside Ukraine.

Has Ambassador Bodnar formally awarded IMR volunteers for serving in Warsaw?

Yes.  Among the awards and thanks IMR has received, Vasyl Bodnar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Poland, visited IMR in Warsaw again and thanked International Medical Relief for its humanitarian support of Ukrainians in Poland. He also presented certificates of appreciation to International Medical Relief volunteers.

Who is Archpriest Serhii Sirenko?

Archpriest Serhii Sirenko is Head of the Chaplaincy Mission of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Warsaw. He provides spiritual care and community support to Ukrainians in Poland and works to preserve the community’s spiritual and national identity.

Can healthcare professionals volunteer on an IMR mission?

International Medical Relief welcomes qualified volunteers to apply for humanitarian missions. Available roles and eligibility requirements vary by deployment and community need.

How can I support International Medical Relief’s work with Ukraine?

Supporters can help by volunteering, making a financial contribution or sharing information about IMR’s continuing work. Donations help IMR provide medical care, essential supplies and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Ukrainian families