How To Send Quick Funds To Family Or Friends In Ukraine

It has been almost two months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and millions of people have been forced to flee their homes for safety. In the UK, several large campaigns have been organised to raise money for those affected, and the scheme for sponsoring Ukrainian refugees is under way.

- Rebecca Goodman

But if you wish to support a friend or family member instead of donating to a large fundraiser, you'll want to be sure the money gets to them directly, securely and, crucially, as quickly as possible. In a world of online banking and money transfer apps, you might assume this would be relatively straightforward especially given the quickly evolving situation in Ukraine and the urgent need for many to receive money for living costs or escaping the country.

When Simon Teale, 56, tried to send £100 to his friend living in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, he was surprised to find he was refused for procedural reasons that remain frustratingly unclear and ill-defined. He tried to use his banking app at first, but was told no international transfers could be made this way.

Next, he spoke to First Direct and a call centre operator said she couldn't make the transfer. He was called back the next day by the bank's 'account review team' and was asked for some more details, including the reason for the transfer and the payee's address.

Simon, a management consultant from Stratford-upon-Avon, was then told the transfer would need to be checked and he would be contacted. He was told there are “strict guidelines to adhere to, especially if any payment is connected to a sensitive or selective sanctioned country," and that the payment was being assessed by HSBC, which owns First Direct.