UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale. Photo from their archive Ukraine: Humanitarian situation worsens amid winter and ongoing attacks Humanitarian aid
On Wednesday, Humanitarian Aid Coordinator Matthias Schmale addressed journalists accredited at UN headquarters via video link from Kyiv. He spoke about the difficulties that Ukrainians are experiencing, especially in the east of the country, where active hostilities continue.
The situation in the east of the country
According to Shmale, he recently returned from a trip to eastern Ukraine, where he visited areas located just 10 kilometers from the front line in the Donetsk region. “Once again, I witnessed the devastating consequences of the war on the civilian population. In October and November, more than 2,180 cases of deaths and injuries among civilians were confirmed,” he said.
From October to November, almost 40,000 people were forced to leave their homes in frontline areas. Shmale said that in Dnepr he met an elderly couple who had lost everything as a result of the fighting. “Their stories touch the depths of the soul, and it is clear that these people do not see a bright future,” he said.
The UN Coordinator expressed particular concern about the situation of people with disabilities, who face additional difficulties in the context of war.
Work of humanitarian organizations
Shmale emphasized that, despite the tragedy of the situation, he is inspired by the resilience of humanitarian workers, volunteers and local authorities who continue to provide assistance even near the front line. “In the Donetsk region, I met doctors in a small clinic supported by the World Health Organization. They provide vital medical services in incredibly difficult conditions,” he noted.
The current winter has already become the third since the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022, and the situation is becoming increasingly critical. Temperatures in some areas have already dropped below freezing. “City mayors are particularly concerned that vulnerable groups in multi-story buildings may be left without heating, clean water and working sewage,” Schmale emphasized.
City mayors are particularly concerned that vulnerable groups in multi-story buildings may be left without heating, clean water and working sewage
The UN coordinator said the latest attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on November 28 and December 13 had caused widespread power outages affecting millions of people. “Despite impressive efforts to restore the power grid, the impact of the attacks is worsening the situation of the most vulnerable groups,” he added, highlighting the successful project to restore the power grid in Odessa with the support of the UN Development Programme.
Nevertheless, the UN representative continued, attacks on the energy sector threaten the lives of patients and medical personnel. “Power outages are depriving people of access to vital health care and could trigger further displacement both within and across borders,” Schmale said.
Humanitarian response plan
The UN official outlined the implementation of a humanitarian response plan aimed at easing the winter crisis. The plan includes the delivery of solid fuel, financial assistance for heating homes and maintaining water supplies. Its implementation by March 2025 will require 500 million dollars.
Power outages deprive people of access to vital medical care and could cause a new wave of displacement both within and outside the country
In January, the UN will present a new Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025. According to the organization’s estimates, 12.7 million Ukrainians will need assistance next year. $2.2 billion is needed to implement this plan.
“We must not normalize the war in Ukraine,” Shmale emphasized, summing up his address. “The weapons must fall silent. Peace must be achieved in compliance with the principles of justice, the UN Charter and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”