“Kharkiv holds a special place in our efforts to support the people of Ukraine. I have seen firsthand the impact of the repeated attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the consequences for millions of civilians. But I have also witnessed the tireless reconstruction and recovery efforts, which are further evidence of the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian government and its people,” he said.
Kharkiv continues to be home to some 200,000 internally displaced people. The situation there escalated in May when a new ground offensive by the Russian Armed Forces forced more than 10,000 people from frontline communities to evacuate to the city of Kharkiv.
As head of the United Nations refugee agency, United Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesMr Grandi is calling for greater international support to “address the needs and demonstrate our continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine”.
Winter Response Plan
UNHCR fears that the coming winter conditions in Kharkiv could make things even more difficult, forcing many people to leave and seek shelter elsewhere.
To prevent this from happening, UNHCR has launched a comprehensive winter response plan as part of a wider UN appeal to provide cash to people, helping them repair or insulate their homes before the cold weather sets in and pay their electricity bills.
In his initial contribution, Mr. Grandi coordinated with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine to donate 10 generators to provide alternative energy sources and maintain the operation of important services.
“We are grateful to UNHCR for providing generators to seven communities in the Kharkiv region. This equipment is intended for critical infrastructure in towns and villages, and will be extremely important during power outages,” said Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv region state administration.
“This assistance will help us counter Russian terrorist attacks on our energy infrastructure. Such assistance will strengthen our energy system to better prepare for the autumn-winter period and overcome the heating season,” Ukraine’s Deputy Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk added.
Digital innovation ‘Ukraine is home’
Innovation ‘Ukraine is home’ The digital information platform was also officially launched by UNHCR on Thursday.
The program is designed to help Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people make informed decisions regarding their ability to return home – or remain in their host communities – by providing timely and objective information to millions of people displaced by war.
“We must continue to support refugees from Ukraine, but we must also be ready to assist them to return home whenever they deem it safe and time to do so,” Mr. Grandi stressed.
