Update on the situation at 9 pm

The humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains a topic “very serious” And international aid risks being reduced, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, warned in an interview with the German news agency DPA, reproduced by German media.

According to him, Ukrainian society was very strong and united after the Russian invasion, but after two years of hostilities, “The tension is palpable.”

. “These divisions are becoming visible, and, of course, there is a risk that they will widen as international support in all its forms declines”says Mr. Grandy.

He added that the work of UNHCR and other agencies was well funded in 2022 and 2023, but this year, in 2024, the focus is also on other emergencies, such as the war in Gaza. Above all, the three main donors – Germany, the United States and the European Union – have not yet determined the amount of their aid to Ukraine.

The appeal for donations to help the Ukrainian population living in the country amounts to $3.1 billion in 2024, up from $3.9 billion the previous year – 67% of which has been funded. To this $3.1 billion is added $1.1 billion in aid to be collected for Ukrainian refugees and their host communities – to help 2.3 million people. About 6.3 million people have fled Ukraine and are refugees mainly in Europe. This year, in the country, according to the UN, 14.6 million people will need humanitarian assistance, or 40% of the population, including 8.5 million people will need to be reached as a priority.