Ukraine: 10.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid

Philippe Leclerc, the UNHCR Regional Director for Europe, reported that 10.8 million people across Ukraine currently require humanitarian assistance. This need has intensified as Russian attacks escalate ahead of the winter season.

Leclerc highlighted that strikes targeting critical energy infrastructure pose severe risks to electricity, heating, and water access. The increased use of long-range missiles and drones has created a situation where Leclerc stated, “there is no longer a safe place in Ukraine.”

The UNHCR and its network of local civil society partners are providing emergency services, including shelter support, legal aid, mental health counseling, and cash assistance. The agency also noted a significant rise in internal displacement, with over 136,000 people sheltered in UNHCR-supported transit centers, representing a 70% increase compared to previous figures.