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The UN has funded only 65% of its “winter plan” for Ukraine

Funding for humanitarian aid to Ukraine is declining, jeopardizing support for vulnerable communities during the winter. This was stated by Matthias Schmale, Permanent Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN in Ukraine.
According to him, international partners provided Ukraine with more than $4 billion in 2022, $2.6 billion in 2023, and $2.2 billion last year. This year, aid volumes are declining, and the UN is already experiencing a shortage of funds.

“This year, funding is decreasing, which always happens during protracted crises, and we are experiencing a shortage of funds,” Schmale said.

In an interview with Ukrinform, he said that the UN and humanitarian partners are supporting frontline areas with cash assistance, funds for insulation, and solid fuel.
The greatest concern is for Kharkiv, Dnipro, and small settlements near the front line, where energy infrastructure is being destroyed faster than it can be restored. “Our winter plan to help vulnerable groups living near the front line is currently 65% funded, so it covers only one million people instead of the planned 1.7 million,” Shmale said.

“If the winter is harsh and energy shortages continue, there is a risk of disaster—thousands of people will be left in high-rise buildings without heating and water,” predicted the UN humanitarian aid coordinator in Ukraine.

Schmale also noted that his task as UN Special Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator is to prevent the “Ukrainian crisis” from fading into the background amid other global conflicts.