GEN Europe Statement of Solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainian Ecovillages

Dear friends, partners, and members of the Global Ecovillage Network Europe,

As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world. The deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure—heating, electricity, and water—has left millions facing unimaginable hardship. Yet, in the face of such adversity, Ukrainian ecovillages have become beacons of hope, demonstrating the power of community, solidarity, and regenerative living.

Since the war began, GEN Europe has maintained close and continuous contact with our friends and colleagues in Ukraine, deepening our collaboration over the past years and fostering a bond built on trust, solidarity, and shared purpose.

The Reality on the Ground

Ukraine’s ecovillages are actively creating spaces of stability and warmth for those displaced by war. Seven shared public spaces were opened back in January. As of March, their number has grown to nine. These spaces, opened by GEN Ukraine, now serve as temporary shelters, offering warmth, food, and safety to people fleeing the devastation in Kyiv and other cities. They host gatherings, provide temporary accommodation when needed, support volunteers, and serve as centers for rebuilding local life.

However, these communities are operating at the edge of their capacity. After several years of full-scale war, local livelihoods have been disrupted and resources are limited.

Urgent needs include:

• Heating and insulation materials (doors, windows, wall insulation)
• Firewood and fuel
• Basic energy autonomy (solar panels, inverters, batteries, generators)
• Water systems (pumps, boilers, pipes, rainwater collection)
• Shared kitchen equipment (ovens, dishwashers, fridges)
• Beds, mattresses, blankets, and curtains
• Electrical and safety equipment (cables, lighting, video cameras)

Even modest contributions—financial, material, or through networking—can make a tangible difference. Continued support helps keep community houses functional, maintain energy and water systems, and ensure that ecovillages can continue offering stability and solidarity during a prolonged and uncertain time.

Support the Spaces
You can donate to specific projects here:

• Bunk Beds for the Radariya Community House
• Renovation and Improvement of the Charivne Community House
• Firewood and Generator Fuel for Busha
• Improve Living Conditions in Community House Space of Love
• Entrance Doors for the Community House in the Yemelyanivka Village

To support the network as a whole, you can donate to the GEN Ukraine general fund. Donations will be distributed according to the evolving needs and workloads of the ecovillages. Or you can choose other Network projects on the platform (section Fundraisers). The Ukrainian National Network has a total of over 60 locations, which since 2022 have hosted over 3,000 displaced persons, 600 of whom still live in ecovillages

At GEN Europe, we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its ecovillages. We reject all forms of oppression, including war, militarization, and authoritarianism. We believe in the power of community-led solutions, regenerative living, and the principles of justice, sustainability, and inclusion

We call on our network to:

• Raise your voice: Speak publicly about Ukraine. Share facts, counter indifference, and remind your governments and communities that Ukraine’s struggle is a struggle for democracy, self-determination, and the right to exist.
• Offer support: Whether through financial contributions, material donations, or connecting Ukrainian ecovillages with partners who can assist, every act of solidarity matters.
• Build bridges: Foster dialogue, understanding, and mutual aid across borders. The resilience of Ukrainian ecovillages is a testament to the strength of community and cooperation.

A Call to Action

We urge you to stand with Ukraine. Display a flag, share this statement, or organize a local event to show your support. Let us ensure that Ukraine is not forgotten and that its ecovillages continue to thrive as models of resilience and active hope.

Read more about the reflections from Ukraine’s Ecovillages in a Prolonged War here and an interview with GEN Ukraine’s president here.
Find out more about GEN Ukraine here.