Ukrainian Resilience During the War: East SOS Foundation Takes Part in Panel Discussion at the Cafe Kyiv Forum in Berlin
On February 23, 2026, just before the anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Berlin witnessed the grand annual Cafe Kyiv event in support of Ukraine, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Under the slogan “Wir wählen die Freiheit” (“We Choose Freedom”), this year’s event gathered more than 5,000 participants, 400 speakers, and 170 organizations to discuss key issues about Ukraine and its future in Europe. This day saw panel discussions, lectures, cultural events, and expert meetings.
Yevheniia Tkachuk, a member of the board and coordinator of evacuation and the call center at East SOS CF, joined the discussion “Civilian Conflict Transformation Amidst the Ongoing War,” sharing insights into the full cycle of evacuation model our team has been developing since 2022.
In her speech, Yevheniia highlighted that the resilience of Ukrainian society is forged during the recovery process after evacuation, when people relearn how to live, plan, and establish new social connections.
“For us, evacuation begins when we receive the first call from someone who often has no hope left. Evacuating from areas that are shelled every day is always about making a tough decision and also working as a team, which, at times, is the only chance to save lives. Evacuation is not the end, but the beginning of the journey. Individuals receive comprehensive support at the transit center, including legal, psychosocial, and logistical assistance. Our team continues to support the most vulnerable such as elderly people living alone by assisting them in finding accommodation in the host hromada (community),” said Yevheniia.
As part of the trip, coordination meetings were held with both German and Ukrainian partner organizations of the CPS (Civil Peace Service) program, as well as with Robin Wagner, a Bundestag member and head of the Ukraine group, Ulrike Hopp-Nishanka, head of the department at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), her colleagues, and representatives from the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the international NGO Terre des hommes.
During the meetings, participants emphasized the role of civil society organizations in Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery:
“Reconstruction in Ukraine is a complex process that takes place amid russia’s armed aggression. For it to be truly inclusive, civil society organizations focus on addressing the needs of different population groups, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and families with children,” they stated.
Yevheniia also participated in the peace demonstration on February 24, organized by the activist organization Vitche Berlin. Around 12,000 people with blue and yellow flags marched from the Berlin Cathedral to the Brandenburg Gate in support of Ukraine.
“We are deeply grateful to our partners at Kurve Wustrow for the invitation and support during this advocacy trip. We truly appreciate your efforts in amplifying the voices of Ukrainian organizations in the international dialogue. This kind of partnership is crucial for advancing the principles of localization and acknowledging the role that Ukrainian civil society organizations play in supporting affected populations,” said Yevheniia.
The East SOS team shared its experience in evacuating civilians at an international workshop in Warsaw.
