Joint Statement of YES and SD Platform on the situation with young people in Ukraine amidst Russia’s war against Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for more than 10 years. During this time, Ukraine has faced unprecedented consequences of the war, levels of destruction and, most importantly, loss of Ukrainian people. Millions of Ukrainians were forced to flee from their homes, whether internally or abroad. The scale of displacement is the largest one since the WWII period.

With this letter, we, YES and its member organisation, ‘SD Platform’ , would like to pay attention to the state of young people in Ukraine, especially in the context of the on-going war. Young people turned out to be at the edge of uncertainty, insecurity and vulnerability as a result of the hostilities. Destroyed educational institutions, obliterated sports and leisure facilities, long-lasting curfew, ongoing male military conscription laws, extremely difficult socio-economic situation with youth across the entire country put young Ukrainians in the conditions of survival. Over the last years, everyday life realities have had an impact on the physical and mental health of young people, planning their future life overall. And let us not forget that young people are the key to the success and prosperity of Ukraine now and in the future, in the context of post-war fair recovery of Ukraine, in particular.

Considering all the above-mentioned points, the All-Ukrainian NGO “SD Platform” , along with YES support, have organized an online event on 18 January 2025 for YES Member-Organizations ‘Youth Activism in Times of War: Insights from Ukraine’ . It was an outstanding opportunity to channel information on the situation with youth in Ukraine and communicate how SD Platform continues political activism across different regions despite the harsh circumstances.

As a follow-up of this discussion, YES and SD Platform suggest for you to consider the possibility of hosting a public-open event, under your personal supervision, related to the state of youth in today’s Ukraine. The key goal would be realistic assessments of the situation with young people on the ground and joint coordination on the practical measures on how to contribute towards various dimensions of life Ukrainian youth has to deal with. We would be keen to help out with exchange of views on the topics of education, employment, housing from various youth perspectives. Since SD Platform is a member organisation of the National Youth Council of Ukraine, we would be able to bring on board for discussion other MOs of NYCU who have expertise of work with youth across various dimensions. In addition to the above points, the issues of youth emigration abroad and potential return migration back to the country can also be topics for discussion. SD Platform encountered with its own case numerous exodus of activists abroad and tries to keep their engagement remotely in the current circumstances. There are stances we can certainly share and reflect on.

You may count on our comprehensive support in terms of assistance for such an event. The format of the event may vary, considering capacity and possibilities of such initiative. We invite you also, Dear Commissioner Micallef, to visit Ukraine in person at your convenience in order to observe personally how the reality looks on the ground. SD Platform would be keen to help with visit arrangements in case of need.

You may count on our comprehensive support in terms of assistance for such an event. The format of the event may vary, considering capacity and possibilities of such initiative. We invite you also, Dear Commissioner Micallef, to visit Ukraine in person at your convenience in order to observe personally how the reality looks on the ground. SD Platform would be keen to help with visit arrangements in case of need.

Thank you for your attention and understanding. We count on fruitful further cooperation!

With warm wishes,


Enric López Jurado
YES President

Sofie Amalie Stage
YES Secretary General

Bohdan Ferens
SD Platform Founder