By Andriy Kopyl, managing director, HOPE Ukraine
It’s been three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And life in my country continues to feel more and more fragile with each passing day.
Thousands have been killed. The constant threat of attacks and the sound of sirens have become a part of our daily lives, causing many to experience sleep deprivation and stress.
Challenges of daily life
One of the most pressing issues is the frequent power outages caused by missile and drone attacks. These outages can last for weeks or even months, making it difficult to maintain operations and adding to the physical and mental fatigue of our HOPE Ukraine staff. This winter we’ve experienced days of no heat in our offices or homes.
Several staff have sons who have been captured, with no update about where they are or if they are even still alive. We constantly pray for their release.
The military draft is another significant challenge. Many of our employees and clients are at risk of being conscripted, which has made it difficult to hire and retain staff. One staff member volunteered to go to the front lines. The shortage of staff is a common issue faced by businesses across Ukraine, further complicating our efforts to grow and serve our clients effectively.
Security remains a constant concern, with no place in Ukraine being truly safe. The daily drone and missile attacks, coupled with the lack of safe shelters, add to the anxiety and stress experienced by our staff and clients. Despite these challenges, our team remains resilient, continuing to serve our clients and support the local economy.
Still, we can celebrate what is going well.
Before the war, we set ambitious goals, including growing our loan portfolio to around $2.4 million. By the end of 2024, we surpassed this target to disburse $2.8 million in loans. While Ukrainian banks are shutting down or charging exorbitant interest rates, I’m so proud of my team and our dedication to investing in Ukrainian businesses and the local economy.
Another significant achievement is our operational self-sufficiency (OSS) rate. In January, we are on track to hit 100% OSS, meaning that our revenue now completely covers our operating costs. This success is a result of finding the right balance between growth and sustainability—and puts us in a strong position to keep serving more Ukrainians right now.
We also praise God for the growth of savings groups for internally displaced people. These groups have offered community and a place for members to grow in their faith—with 13 people giving their lives to the Lord this past year.
Andriy (right) with a Roma savings group in Ukraine
An inspiring story of entrepreneurship
We’re encouraged when the entrepreneurs that we serve tell us how their businesses and sense of purpose have changed because of their engagement with us.
Olena is a remarkable entrepreneur who has faced multiple displacements due to the war. Originally from the eastern Donbas region, Olena had a successful business that was destroyed in 2014 by Russian-backed militia groups. She relocated to a small village near Chornobyl and started a farm, which was again affected in 2022 during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Despite these setbacks, Olena launched a new business working with wood products and reached out to us for a startup loan. She was impressed by our swift response and customer service, which enabled her to start her business quickly. Olena’s business is now thriving, and she is making a significant impact on her community by providing jobs, supporting local students, and even building an underground shelter for a local school to prevent its closure.
Olena’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of those we serve. Her efforts to bring life back to her village and support the local community have inspired me!
Looking ahead
I need these stories of encouragement and reminders of how God is at work in Ukraine right now. As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of supporting entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth in Ukraine. We continue to pray for peace and stability in our country and for the safety and well-being of our staff and clients. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
At HOPE, we believe that prayer is the most important part of our work. To join us in prayer for Ukraine and other countries throughout the HOPE network, you can sign up for our monthly prayer update here.
Andriy Kopyl has been serving at HOPE since March 2010. Prior to his time on the Ukraine team, he served as a lawyer at his father’s firm. Andriy has earned four university degrees in law, management, marketing, and EU finances. He is also pursuing a master’s degree in marketing. He is passionate about the work of HOPE and loves to see how the Lord uses the team in Ukraine to change the lives of clients and their families. He lives in Ukraine with his family.
