Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, humanitarian needs remain critical. The ongoing conflict continues to devastate civilian lives and infrastructure, causing large-scale displacement and destruction. In 2025, 12.7 million people – 36 per cent of the population – require humanitarian assistance.

Relentless attacks in the eastern, southern and northeastern front-line regions have intensified. Damage to essential infrastructure remains widespread. This devastation has compounded vulnerabilities across the country, especially in areas that have endured years of hostilities.

Despite these challenges, humanitarian partners provided vital assistance to millions of people across Ukraine in 2024, reaching 8.4 million people. Nearly 60 per cent of those supported were women and girls. This was made possible through the collective efforts of more than 600 organizations – with 70 per cent being local non-governmental organizations – delivering essential aid, particularly in areas close to the front lines and to those fleeing hostilities.

The war continues to inflict immense suffering, causing deaths, injuries and widespread destruction. While the number of people in need has decreased slightly from 14.6 million in 2024 to 12.7 million in 2025, the severity of humanitarian needs has deepened along the front lines and at the northern border.

In areas occupied by the Russian Federation, 1.1 million people remain in urgent need of assistance due to limited humanitarian access. The war has also left millions grappling with trauma, psychological distress and the constant fear of attacks.

While some socio-economic indicators, such as incomes, have improved, rising inflation driven by higher taxes and increased energy demands continues to strain households.

In 2025, the UN and its partners require US$2.6 billion to deliver lifesaving, multi-sectoral assistance to 6 million of the 12.7 million people in need. This funding will address critical needs in food security, healthcare, shelter, cash assistance, education, protection, and other vital services.

Aid workers will continue efforts to deliver assistance across the country, including in communities near the front lines. Local organizations will remain central to the response, supported by international partners.

Recognising the dynamic nature of the war, particularly during seasonal changes such as winter, the humanitarian response will adopt a flexible and agile approach. Planning and assessment will ensure that resources are directed to the most urgent needs, while assistance will increasingly complement Ukraine's shock-responsive social protection system.