According to a UN report released on Monday, $4.2 billion will be required in 2024 to support millions of refugees fleeing the war-torn nation of Ukraine and to deliver humanitarian aid there.
Although the conflict in Gaza has taken up most of the news recently, Russia’s war in Ukraine is about to enter its third year in February.
The UN wants to reach 2.3 million refugees and the communities that host them in eastern Europe, as well as 8.5 million people inside Ukraine.
“A recent wave of attacks underscores the devastating civilian cost of the war, while a bitter winter is ratcheting up the urgent need for life-saving humanitarian aid,” the UN said.
The largest invasion of a European nation since World War II and the greatest refugee catastrophe to hit the continent since the 1939–1945 struggle occurred in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion.
According to the UN, 14.6 million people—or 40% of the country’s population—will require humanitarian aid in Ukraine this year. Of those, 8.5 million will be the most in need of support.
“Hundreds of thousands of children live in communities on the front lines of the war, terrified, traumatised and deprived of their basic needs,” UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said in a statement.
“That fact alone should compel us to do everything we can to bring more humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
“Homes, schools and hospitals are repeatedly hit, as are water, gas and power systems. The very fabric of society is under attack with devastating consequences.”
