1,000 days after the war in Ukraine, winter poses a serious challenge to aid efforts
Speaking in Geneva, Matthias Schmale described the suffering Ukrainians feel as the war continues: “As we approach not only winter but also the sad 1,000-day mark since the full-scale invasion of Russian Federation in 2022, of course we are thinking. of the more than 12,000 people who died.”
“So far, Civilian infrastructure has been devastated with more than 2,000 attacks on healthcare facilities and two million homes damaged.”
Nearly 4 in 10 people in Ukraine need humanitarian assistance but one of the most pressing concerns is that people living in high-rise buildings face a third consecutive cold winter due to “attacks”. “systematic effort” into energy infrastructure.
Living is not hot
“I have been informed that now, 65% of Ukraine’s energy production capacity has been destroyed”, Mr. Schmale said. Where possible, UN aid groups and partners will provide solid fuel and warm clothing to vulnerable communities, but the situation is more precarious for “large numbers” of people. People live in apartment buildings.
“Obviously you cannot supply a ton of solid fuel to a high-rise building,” Mr. Schmale explained, adding that mass shelters in cities and towns provide warm meals Pressure, showers and hot drinks are welcome, but “not enough.” ”.
One of the biggest concerns among veteran humanitarians is whether Russian forces will target the energy sector again as the weather turns bitterly cold.
The threat of mass displacement looms
“It could be a tipping point forcing further mass displacement both domestically and internationally”, Mr. Schmale warned. “So this is not just about technical solutions, but also about calling on the international community to work to stop this war.”
To date, the United Nations, domestic and international NGOs and volunteer organizations have reached 7.2 million people in Ukraine with at least one type of aid, thanks to the amount of 1, 8 billion USD received for humanitarian response activities.
To prepare for winter and address the emergency needs of 1.8 million people through March by delivering solid fuel, ensuring water systems continue to operate and providing cash relief, the Coalition The United Nations and partners need 500 million USD.
But the situation on the front lines is dangerous for communities and aid workers, nine of whom have died in the line of duty this year. Humanitarian facilities were also damaged.
Unmanned terrorism
“Many people have told me during my visits that they feel civilians, civilian infrastructure and civil society are increasingly being targeted by drone attacks; and drone strikes are terrible, I don’t have to describe that to you,” Schmale said, citing testimony from people who described being followed by drones.
“Some of this is also psychological terrorism, because… you never know, are they going to attack or are they just observing?”
When asked to assess how the new U.S. administration can work to alleviate suffering in Ukraine, the U.N. aid coordinator emphasized the Secretary-General’s desire for “substantial” humanitarian assistance. ” of the United States will continue. “They are by far our biggest national individual supporter,” Mr. Schmale said.
“Hopefully they understand like the current administration that there are enormous humanitarian needs that continue to be addressed.”
