Nearly 40% of Ukraine's population requires humanitarian assistance, according to UN Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale, speaking at a press briefing on November 16, 2024.
As the country approaches the 1,000-day mark since the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022, Schmale emphasized the severe impact of the conflict, which has resulted in over 12,000 deaths and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. More than 2,000 healthcare facilities have been attacked, and two million homes have been damaged.
Schmale highlighted a 'hidden crisis' of psychological trauma affecting many Ukrainians due to the prolonged conflict. In response to these challenges, the UN has mobilized $1.8 billion from the international community, enabling the provision of humanitarian assistance to 7.2 million individuals in 2024.
Despite these efforts, the UN's winter response plan requires an additional $500 million, of which only half has been secured so far.