World Jewish Relief (WJR) is preparing for a “worst-case scenario” in Ukraine should Russia invade.

WJR warned war could be “catastrophic” for the vulnerable Jewish communities it supports in the region and is monitoring the situation “very closely.”

The humanitarian aid charity supports 11,000 people in Ukraine across a number of projects, including providing support to the older Jewish population already living in abject poverty.

Judith Fagelson, who runs the charity’s Older People Programmes, told the JC: “We are very worried about a full-scale incursion. We are already planning and talking about what to do and how to provide support if that happens.

“We’re talking to our local partner organisations and considering things like whether there is a need to stockpile goods in the event of disruptions to supply chains.”

She said: “Our older clients rely on deliveries, they are not able to get out and about and they do not have a lot of money to live on. We want people to think about the human and civilian impact of a conflict.”

The UK government has called on citizens to leave Ukraine.

WJR said it does not have UK nationals working on the ground in Ukraine so has not had to advise anyone to leave.

Ms Fagelson explained: “One of the things we are working on is deciding who to partner with and support in the event of incursion.

“We have not launched a fundraising appeal at this stage but it is something we will look to do if we feel it is necessary. We want to have the most impact possible.”