UN Stands Firm with Ukrainians Amid Crisis, Says Aid Chiefs
The United Nations has reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine and its people during the ongoing conflict, in a joint appeal made from Kyiv by UN Emergency Relief Chief Tom Fletcher and Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Millions of civilians both within Ukraine and in neighboring countries continue to rely heavily on international assistance as Russian attacks persist.
“The Ukrainian people have shown extraordinary courage over these years,” said Tom Fletcher. “We must respond with genuine, heartfelt, and sustained international engagement. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to meet their needs and to support them. We must not overlook the dire needs of those in the occupied territories and continue to push creative and brave ways to get aid to the most vulnerable.”
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Millions Need Critical Assistance
The joint appeal aims to provide essential support to approximately six million people within Ukraine, where total needs affect more than twice that number, and to millions of Ukrainian refugees across the globe. Outside Ukraine, over 6.8 million refugees are currently displaced.
For 2025, $2.62 billion has been allocated to support response efforts within Ukraine, while the UNHCR is requesting $690 million for that year, along with $1.2 billion for 2025–2026 to assist host countries supporting refugees in 11 nations.
“The goal is not for these people to remain refugees indefinitely,” stated Filippo Grandi. “We aim to create conditions that allow these people to return to Ukraine, which is what the country needs and what the majority of the refugees desire.”
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Daily Bombardments Intensify Challenges
On his sixth visit to Ukraine, Grandi underscored the devastating toll the ongoing conflict inflicts on communities, especially in winter, as bombings along the frontline continue daily. The destruction has left many stranded in dire conditions, unable to meet basic needs.
“In Kyiv, life goes on in some semblance of normalcy, but in smaller towns near the frontline, it’s a different story,” he explained. “People’s lives are decimated. Almost everyone has been forced to leave their homes. Those who remain have little or no access to heating in freezing temperatures. The Russian Federation’s targeted attacks on energy infrastructure, which directly endanger civilian lives, must stop.”
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Aid Efforts Along the Frontline
Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, highlighted the continuous efforts by the UN and local NGO partners to deliver aid and evacuate the most vulnerable, especially those near the frontline.
“Many of the critical needs are concentrated along the frontlines,” said Schmale. “We are particularly focusing on supporting those who have chosen to stay in these high-risk areas—especially individuals with disabilities and elderly people who face significant challenges in relocating.”
Despite immense adversity, the UN has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine and its people, ensuring that no one is left behind in their time of need.
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