With the war in Ukraine continuing to escalate, the humanitarian situation has reached alarming levels, compelling the European Union (EU) to step up its commitment to providing urgent assistance. Approximately 12.7 million people within Ukraine are now identified as needing immediate humanitarian aid, and this crisis has prompted the EU to allocate €148 million of new funding. This new package enhances the EU’s total humanitarian aid support to over €1.1 billion since the beginning of the conflict.
The latest funding allocation reflects the EU's priorities to address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations situated primarily within the eastern and southern sectors of Ukraine, which have been heavily affected by the fighting. Among the allocated €148 million, €140 million is directed to humanitarian projects within Ukraine, focusing on emergency assistance to supply food, shelter, healthcare, and winter protection gear. The remaining €8 million is aimed at supporting Ukrainian refugees and the communities hosting them in neighboring Moldova, which entails providing cash assistance, healthcare access, education services, and psychosocial support.
Today's announcement coincides with the visit of Hadja Lahbib, the EU's Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality, to Ukraine. During her visit, she is scheduled to meet with key officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss the pressing humanitarian challenges facing the country and the strategic deployment of EU aid. Commissioner Lahbib’s itinerary also includes engagement with beneficiaries of EU humanitarian aid and local partners, shedding light on first-hand accounts of the current situation on the ground.
Prior to her arrival in Kyiv, Lahbib visited the EU Medevac hub located in Rzeszów, where critically ill patients from Ukraine are evacuated for treatment. Since the introduction of this system back in March 2022, approximately 4,000 patients have been successfully transferred to European hospitals.
Over the years, the EU has coordinated what is described as its largest-ever humanitarian operation through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivering over 150,000 tonnes of assistance to Ukraine. The aid has included ambulances, medicines, fire engines, and shelter supplies along with emergency stockpiles of power generators and public health supplies for potential chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
“With Russia continuing its cruelty, especially during winter, the EU is intensifying its support to keep homes warm and well-lit. Our new funding of €148 million is clear evidence of our unwavering support for Ukrainians during their time of crisis,” asserted Commissioner Lahbib. She emphasized the importance of solidarity and cooperation at this pivotal moment for Europe.
Despite these efforts, the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver aid remains under threat. Throughout 2024, the war's dynamics have posed formidable challenges, particularly at the front lines, impacting the timely delivery of services. Escalated military activities have compounded operational difficulties, with humanitarian access to high-need areas becoming increasingly restricted due to violence and administrative hurdles.
Reports from humanitarian authorities indicate a 20 percent increase in incidents disrupting their operations, leading to increased violence against personnel and assets. The majority of these incidents occurred near front-line zones, particularly affecting humanitarian efforts surrounding Khersonska Oblast, where drone strikes have caused significant disruptions.
Throughout the year, humanitarian workers have faced growing dangers, with some incidents resulting in fatalities. Preliminary reports reveal 53 humanitarian workers killed or injured by the end of 2024, including five workers who lost their lives due to two different attacks earlier this year.
The increase in violence was attributed largely to the rise of contentious engagements and drone usages, leaving many humanitarian organizations to re-evaluate their operational strategies and implement new security measures, including suspensions of activities when faced with lethal threats.
Although visa complications and bureaucracy have made access more challenging, some relief organizations report delays and administrative constraints have eased slightly. From the previous year, reports of visa delays fell substantially, resulting in more streamlined movement for humanitarian workers across the country.
To address the urgent humanitarian crisis, the EU is extending its initial support system and bolstering its operational collaborations with NGOs and local authorities, ensuring aid reaches populations deprived of basic necessities due to the protracted conflict. Despite the difficulties, aid organizations remain steadfast, attempting to navigate the perilous and frequently shifting battlefield to deliver essentials like food, medical supplies, and psychological support to those most impacted by the war.
The stark realities of the humanitarian crisis demand continued international attention and support, exemplifying the pressing need for collaborative efforts to alleviate suffering and promote stability across Ukraine.