Krisen-Reporter Jan Jessen berichtet
In Crisis Mode
Veröffentlicht am 08.07.2026 / 04:55
This episode was made with the help of AI.
Kyiv. The fifth year of war. A Sunday morning. Around 150 women arrive with their children at a distribution center in the Troyeshchyna district. They collect diapers, baby food, clothing, and toys — things that many families can no longer take for granted.
The aid comes from Germany. For three years, former NRZ journalists Matthias Maruhn and Wolfgang Kintscher have been regularly driving relief supplies into Ukraine. Yet at the same time, raising enough donations is becoming increasingly difficult.
FUNKE war correspondent Jan Jessen accompanies the distribution effort in Kyiv and, for our podcast "Im Krisenmodus" ("In Crisis Mode"), speaks with mothers whose everyday lives are shaped by war. Katia talks about sleepless nights and a husband at the front. Natalia shares the story of a village that no longer exists — and of two pregnancies in the midst of war. Kristina describes how her autistic daughter reacts to every air raid siren, and how she gave birth to her son in 2023 under bombardment.
A report on humanitarian aid, the daily lives of Ukrainian families, and the question of what support can still achieve after more than four years of war.
Katia (25), mother from Kyiv
On everyday life with three children, air raid alerts, and her husband at the front.
Natalia (26), internally displaced person from the Sumy region
On a village that no longer exists — and two pregnancies under bombardment.
Kristina (39), mother from Kyiv
On her daughter Milana, autism, a son who underwent heart surgery, and life amid constant sirens.
Maria Makymkowa, Director of the aid organization Serze Mariji
On solidarity, internally displaced people, and working with families in need.
Matthias Maruhn, former NRZ reporter and Ukraine aid volunteer
On three years of humanitarian work and the declining willingness to donate in Germany.
1 | A Sunday in Troyeshchyna
Jan Jessen accompanies a relief effort for around 150 mothers and their children in a Kyiv residential neighborhood.
2 | Katia: When Children Grow Up with Sirens
A young mother shares her daily life between air raid alerts, sleep deprivation, and a husband at the front.
3 | Natalia and Kristina – Two Mothers, Two Stories
Natalia and Kristina speak about life as a mother in wartime — and why giving up is not an option.
4 | Two Pregnancies Under Bombardment
Natalia recounts how she sought shelter in a parking garage while bombs were falling. Kristina shares how her newborn son underwent heart surgery while Kyiv was being bombed.
5 | Why Aid Remains Essential
Maria Makymkowa and Matthias Maruhn explain why humanitarian assistance is more important than ever.
6 | The Song of the Heavily Pregnant Woman
Why a single song has become, for Matthias Maruhn, the enduring symbol of these aid journeys.
Hand in Hand mit der Ukraine – Hattingen
Partner organization that, together with "Ukraine wir kommen," organizes donation convoys to Kyiv and Rivne.
🏦 Sparkasse Hattingen
IBAN: DE90 4305 1040 0000 2171 25
🔗 Website: Hand in Hand mit der Ukraine
Ukraine wir kommen e.V. – Essen
Since 2022, volunteer helpers have been regularly driving relief supplies into Ukraine. Focus areas: baby food, diapers, hygiene products, and children's clothing for families in need.
🏦 Sparkasse Essen
IBAN: DE47 3605 0105 0003 4209 16
Serze Mariji – Heart of Mary – Kyiv
Ukrainian partner organization on the ground, led by Mariia Makymkowa. Supports mothers with children up to three years of age and families facing financial hardship.
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