Building the plane while flying it

The large-scale displacement caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 exposed the Czech Republic’s systemic unpreparedness for delivering professional community interpreting. This arti­cle presents a qualitative case study, forming part of a larger research project on interpreting during the Ukrainian refugee response. Focusing on a Regional Assistance Centre (KACPU) in Olomouc, the study draws on ethnographic observation and 17 interviews with interpreters, coordinators, and psychologists, including follow-up interviews with six interpreters conducted three years later. It explores how interpreting was organized in the absence of formal infrastructure, how interpret­er networks emerged, and how the role and status of community interpreters evolved over time. Thematic analysis reveals blurred role boundaries, ethical dilemmas, and emotional strain as inter­preters navigated encounters in law enforcement, healthcare, and social services. Although many interpreters remained active in the field, often in precarious roles, systemic support structures have lagged behind. The article concludes by calling for reforms in training for both interpreters and pro­viders, ethical frameworks, and institutional recognition to strengthen resilience in future crises.