UN predicts deterioration of humanitarian situation in Ukraine and prepares to provide assistance

The United Nations (UN) has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and pledged to provide assistance to 11 million Ukrainians by the end of this year.

According to Saviano Abreu, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 18 million people in Ukraine are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, and the situation may worsen due to Russia's constant attacks and the approaching winter season.

Abreu noted that Russia's full-scale invasion has led to a serious humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. If earlier the humanitarian needs in the country were smaller, now their volume has increased significantly, amounting to almost half of the total population of Ukraine.

Speaking about the possible deterioration of the situation, Abreu pointed to a trend that has been going on for six months. During this period, there has been an increase in Russian attacks that affect the civilian population and lead to the destruction of vital infrastructure. Another factor is the approach of winter, which leads to an increase in the population's need for humanitarian assistance.

By the end of the year, OCHA intends to increase the volume of humanitarian assistance and provide it to 11 million people out of the 18 million Ukrainians in need of support.

From October to March, OCHA plans to provide "winter" assistance to about 1.3 million people, including payment of rent for internally displaced persons and utility bills. This assistance will be provided mainly to residents of areas not adjacent to the front line.

In addition, OCHA plans to maintain heat, electricity and water supply to urban and district communities during the winter period.

The organization regularly organizes humanitarian convoys to the frontline areas, particularly in Donbas, in cooperation with other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations.

OCHA's overall work is aimed at providing the necessary assistance and support to the population in the context of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.