The massive escalation in the Russian war against Ukraine since February 2022 has caused unprecedented civilian casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure, forcing millions of people to flee their homes seeking safety, protection and assistance. Millions of refugees from Ukraine have crossed borders into neighbouring countries, in addition to those displaced inside the country. They are in urgent need of protection and support.
Over 14.6 million people in Ukraine – 40 per cent of Ukraine’s total population – require urgent humanitarian support, including more than 3.5 million people internally displaced by the full-scale war. As of June 2024, some 6.5 million refugees from Ukraine were recorded globally.
The security situation continues to be extremely precarious, especially following a rise in hostilities in Kharkiv region, northeastern Ukraine, since May 2024, which caused a further spike in humanitarian needs and internal forced displacement.
Ukraine has seen a significant overall loss of energy generation capacity due to the escalation of attacks, disrupting critical electricity, heat and water supply. The situation is particularly critical in Kharkiv city. Damage to energy facilities will significantly exacerbate the need for winter assistance when the cold months approach.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been working in Ukraine since 1994, alongside local authorities, NGO partners and community organizations to deliver protection and humanitarian assistance to people in need.
