Nearly three years have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, a conflict that has claimed thousands of civilian lives, devastated critical infrastructure, and placed Ukraine’s economy under immense pressure.
The United Nations (UN) has reported over 28,000 civilian casualties, including more than 10,000 deaths, though it acknowledges the actual figures are likely higher. As frontlines shift and hostilities escalate, an estimated 14 million Ukrainians are now in need of humanitarian aid. The war has triggered the largest refugee crisis since World War II, with more than 6.3 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries and 3.7 million displaced internally. In total, nearly one-third of Ukraine’s population has been forced to leave their homes, including more than half of the country’s children.
The invasion has erased approximately 30% of pre-war jobs, subjected citizens to tax increases and funding constraints, and led to frequent power outages as a result of attacks on energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, was one of the primary targets during the early days of the war.
UN Humanitarian Support: A Lifeline Amid Destruction
Throughout the conflict, the United Nations has played a pivotal role in relief efforts. Collaborating with Ukrainian authorities, local organizations, and volunteers, the UN has prioritized delivering aid to vulnerable communities, particularly those along the frontlines. In the aftermath of attacks, emergency relief is mobilized to assist affected populations. UN agencies also work to demine areas, remove rubble, and restore basic services. They provide shelter for displaced people, healthcare, and mental health support.
In 2024 alone, the World Food Programme (WFP) offered monthly food and cash assistance to 1.6 million Ukrainians, demined agricultural land, and supported feeding initiatives in schools. Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian office provided health-related assistance to 2.6 million people.
Despite ongoing attacks, Ukraine is focused on rebuilding. Numerous projects are underway to repair and construct schools, hospitals, kindergartens, social housing, and essential infrastructure like heating and water systems. Efforts to restore damaged energy infrastructure have been bolstered by UN agencies and their partners, who have supplied over 500 megawatts (MW) of energy generation, including solar power, to ensure access to electricity, heating, and water.
A decentralized approach to energy production is being prioritized to make the energy grid more resilient against attacks. By reducing reliance on large, centralized power plants, smaller renewable energy installations—such as solar panels—can minimize disruptions. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting this strategy by assisting with contract negotiations and training citizens in solar panel installation. Unlike traditional power plants, solar panels can be replaced within a single day if damaged in an airstrike, providing a quicker path to recovery.
Resilience of Ukrainians: ‘The Future Starts as Soon as Sirens Stop’
Despite significant challenges and mass displacement, many Ukrainians express a strong desire to remain in their homeland. According to Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, this determination is a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people. “People start rebuilding as soon as possible—whether it’s businesses, homes, or lives. The future starts as soon as sirens stop. People don’t want to leave,” Schmale shared in an interview.
This sentiment is echoed by Kenan Madi, Chief of Field Operations for UNICEF Ukraine, who noted the fierce attachment Ukrainians have to their communities. “Despite everything, they want to stay in their villages. No one is dreaming about leaving. It’s the opposite—everyone is dreaming about staying,” Madi said, emphasizing the population’s readiness to rebuild once the war ends.
The resilience of Ukrainians is also supported by data. A comprehensive UN-backed study conducted in 2024, which involved interviews with over 7,000 people across government-controlled territories, highlighted a strong sense of national identity and connection to their homeland. These findings underscore the unifying power of Ukraine’s national identity amidst the ongoing war.
The High Cost of Recovery
However, the road to recovery is long and costly. A joint assessment by the Ukrainian government, the World Bank, the European Commission, and the UN estimates the total cost of rebuilding and recovery at $468 billion.
With harsh winter temperatures dropping below freezing, the UN’s humanitarian winter response plan aims to address urgent needs, including the provision of solid fuel, cash assistance, and water system repairs. An estimated $500 million is required to implement these efforts before March 2025.
In the coming days, senior UN humanitarian officials will visit Ukraine to evaluate the situation ahead of the launch of a new humanitarian appeal. Additionally, a broader appeal for $2.2 billion is being prepared for 2025 to assist approximately 12.7 million people.
A Nation Ready to Rebuild
As Ukraine continues to endure
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