Crisis Translation in War Zones: Language Bridges in Ukrainian Refugee Assistance

The conflict in Ukraine, which intensified in February 2022, has led to one of the most significant refugee crises in modern Europe. As of May 2025, approximately 7.8 million Ukrainians have sought refuge across Europe, with the largest populations in Germany (1.2 million), Poland (1 million), and the Czech Republic (400,000). Predominantly women and children, these refugees face numerous challenges, including securing housing, healthcare, education, and employment. Among these, language barriers stand out as a critical obstacle, as most refugees speak Ukrainian or Russian, while host countries use languages like German, Polish, or Czech. Crisis translation has emerged as an indispensable tool, enabling refugees to communicate effectively with aid workers, medical professionals, and government officials, thus facilitating access to essential services and supporting their integration into new communities.

Understanding Crisis Translation

Crisis translation is the provision of translation and interpretation services during emergencies, such as wars, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises. Its primary aim is to ensure that critical information is accessible to all, regardless of language barriers. Unlike standard translation, crisis translation requires rapid response, cultural sensitivity, and often a trauma-informed approach, given the emotional and psychological contexts of those affected. For Ukrainian refugees, this means translating legal documents, providing interpretation during medical consultations, and offering language support for daily interactions. This service not only conveys information but also respects the dignity and emotional needs of individuals navigating traumatic circumstances.

Language Barriers and Their Impact

Language barriers significantly hinder Ukrainian refugees’ ability to access essential services. In the Czech Republic, research indicates that one in five refugees could not visit a doctor due to language issues, even when medical attention was necessary. In Poland, 45% of refugees report that language barriers limit their access to social services, while in Germany, 55% face similar challenges. These barriers extend beyond healthcare, affecting education and employment. For instance, children struggle to integrate into schools without language support, and adults often find their professional skills underutilized due to their inability to communicate in the local language. This not only impacts their economic stability but also their mental health and sense of self-worth, compounding the challenges of displacement.

Organizations Bridging the Gap

Several organizations have stepped up to provide critical translation services for Ukrainian refugees. Respond Crisis Translation, for example, employs a team of 150 Ukrainian and 450 Russian translators, many of whom are refugees themselves. They offer services for asylum applications, legal documents, and medical appointments, ensuring refugees can navigate complex systems in their host countries. The head of their Ukrainian and Russian teams, Tetyana Grygor'yeva, has emphasized the personal significance of this work, noting it provides purpose and supports the broader goal of reclaiming their right to live and speak their language.

The Refugee Translation Project has also made significant contributions, translating over 350 pages of orientation materials to help Ukrainian families settle safely. These materials cover legal rights, healthcare access, and educational opportunities, equipping refugees with the knowledge needed to rebuild their lives. Similarly, Atlas Translations provides free translation of documents like birth certificates and passports, which are essential for visa applications and legal processes, particularly for programs like the UK’s Ukraine Family Scheme. These organizations, along with local volunteer efforts, fill critical gaps, ensuring refugees can access services and navigate bureaucratic hurdles.

Long-term Language Support for Integration

While immediate translation services address urgent needs, long-term language support is vital for refugees’ integration into host societies. Language learning programs empower refugees to acquire the skills needed for employment and social engagement. In the UK, the STEP Ukraine program, which ran until 2024, provided free English language and employment support courses to over 5,000 Ukrainian refugees, enhancing their job prospects and community integration. In Germany, government-funded integration courses combine language instruction with civic education, helping refugees understand the cultural and social norms of their new home.

Digital tools also play a significant role. Platforms like Duolingo offer Ukrainian phrasebooks and language courses, making learning accessible and flexible. Additionally, community-based initiatives, such as language buddy systems, pair refugees with locals to practice language skills and build social connections. These efforts not only facilitate language acquisition but also foster a sense of belonging, helping refugees feel more at home in their new environments.

Crisis translation is a lifeline for Ukrainian refugees, breaking down language barriers to ensure access to healthcare, legal support, and education. Organizations like Respond Crisis Translation, the Refugee Translation Project, and Atlas Translations provide immediate support, while long-term language learning initiatives empower refugees to integrate and thrive. As global humanitarian challenges persist, effective communication across languages remains a cornerstone of support, offering refugees hope and dignity. At Artlangs Translation, we are committed to delivering high-quality translation services to support humanitarian efforts. Contact us for more information!