Ukraine

Foreword by the Humanitarian Coordinator

Throughout 2023, the war continued to wreak havoc in Ukraine. The killing and injury of thousands of civilians, including children, the targeting of civilian infrastructure, the disruption of livelihoods and vital social services and prolonged displacement have triggered a massive humanitarian and protection crisis. The truth is that one year since we launched the previous Humanitarian Response Plan, the situation in the country has become even more extreme. As the war ravages villages and towns close to the front line, humanitarian needs in these areas are reaching catastrophic levels. The situation cannot improve unless the war stops.

Entire communities close to the front line are being pummeled daily, leaving millions with little to no capacity to provide for themselves, and dependent on humanitarian assistance. I saw this during my multiple visits to front-line communities throughout the year. In Kupiansk, Kharkivska Oblast, I saw communities struggling to access health services in places where no hospitals or clinics were left untouched by the war. In Chasiv Yar and other parts of Donetska Oblast, I met people who told me they had not had water or gas in their homes for over a year. In Belozerka, Khersonska Oblast, I met women living in homes damaged by the catastrophic flooding caused by the destruction of the Khakhovka Dam, struggling to access essential supplies as markets were completely disrupted. In Mykolaivska or Odeska oblasts, farmers desperate to return to their fields are prevented from doing so because of the heavy contamination of explosives. And in Orikhiv, Zaporizka Oblast, a mother shared with me her sorrow that her child could no longer attend school because of the insecurity. In all these places, I saw grief, loss, and suffering but also determination to live as best they can, in their own homes, where their life has purpose.

The situation further from the front line does not escape the damage caused by the war. Millions face the constant risk of bombardment, including in areas where they have sought refuge. Communities far from the front line have had to deal with unpredictable yet repeated airstrikes, decimating their communities in seconds. Over 4 million people are still internally displaced across Ukraine, and this prolonged displacement has pushed many to the brink, as they have depleted their resources and capacity to cope with the loss of job or income. There is a clear economic burden of displacement.

Trauma, rooted in the scourge of war, is impacting millions across the country. Children have endured the loss of their closest family members, their homes, and schools. Scars that may last a lifetime. Risks of gender-based violence have heightened while the most vulnerable people, often women and older people, grapple with the greatest challenges.

I am aware that these facts paint a grim picture of what the people of Ukraine face every day. The world must not turn away from the ugliness of war and its brutal impact. But there is another side to this.

This year, I have also seen the best of humanity. I met nurses and doctors who stayed behind to support their communities, doing heroic work every single day, with limited supplies. Volunteers risking their lives helping people out of war zones or delivering assistance and bringing hope to people in their time of need. And a united humanitarian community, with local, national and international organizations working together to complement these efforts.

In 2023, the humanitarian community collectively reached around 11 million people in Ukraine with humanitarian aid. The generous support from donors and close collaboration with national, regional and local authorities, with whom we work every day, was crucial and enabled our work. Thanks to dedicated aid workers, we became faster and moved closer to the people we serve. Jointly, we delivered over 100 inter-agency convoys to front-line communities, including to those affected by the Kakhovka Dam destruction in June 2023. With our local partners, we managed to start the response since day one, providing people affected with food and drinking water; our first convoy reached the affected areas within 72 hours. This is another reminder of the importance of being prepared to respond to attacks and emerging situations, the probability of which is high in war-torn Ukraine.

However, for another entire year, our overall ability to help people in areas under Russian occupation, especially close to the front line, where humanitarian needs are direst, has been extremely limited. We will continue our advocacy as it is a matter of humanitarian principle to be able to help people in need wherever they are.

Looking towards 2024, our intention is to support 8.5 million people with the most urgent humanitarian needs – out of nearly 15 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Our humanitarian efforts are strategically focused on the most affected front-line regions, particularly in the east and south, a decision made based on thorough assessments and robust analysis. We also target those most in need in other parts of the country, particularly the displaced people and other vulnerable groups. Over 500 organizations working under this plan are committed to integrating protection into all aspects of our response and securing linkages with the ongoing recovery work through system support, community-based planning and recovery and market assistance.

The war in Ukraine is not over. Until that moment, a moment we are all waiting for, the suffering continues. And our support remains as vital as ever.

Denise Brown
Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine