UN Requests $2.3 Billion to Support Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine

Over 4 Million Vulnerable People to Benefit from Aid

In light of the ongoing and increasingly intense Russian attacks in Ukraine, the UN launched a humanitarian appeal on Tuesday for $2.3 billion for the year 2026, aimed at supporting 4.1 million of the country's most vulnerable individuals. Since the onset of Russia's large-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, the UN and its partners have assisted those in need, including residents of cities facing repeated drone and missile attacks, as well as communities close to the front line and others evacuated from dangerous areas.

“Speaking about internally displaced persons who have been in collective centers for years, I am referring to the elderly and those with reduced mobility,” stated Matthias Schmale, the UN’s top official for aid in Ukraine, highlighting some of the priorities of Tuesday's appeal.

According to media reports and official information from Ukrainian authorities, in the past week, Russian forces have launched nearly 1,100 attack drones, over 890 guided bombs, and at least 50 missiles of various types, including ballistic and cruise missiles.

In addition to providing basic assistance, including food, medical care, shelter, protection, and financial support, other essential purposes of the funding appeal include supporting the evacuation of individuals in imminent danger—“heroic work close to the front line,” Mr. Schmale said, referring to hundreds of UN-supported partners engaged in this life-saving activity.

Mr. Schmale explained that funding is needed to assist civil society partners responding to military attacks nationwide—but especially within 50 kilometers of the front line—helping farmers trying to survive in a war zone, along with cancer patients whose access to medications has been disrupted by attacks impacting the healthcare system.

“We want to continue to support as best as we can, but all of this requires funding,” underscored Mr. Schmale, highlighting the “enormous suffering of civilians” in Ukraine, especially as communities endure temperatures dropping to -15°C in Kyiv—“an emergency within an emergency” that will likely require additional funding from the international community beyond Tuesday's appeal. “We are particularly calling on the international community, UN member states, and other donors to maintain their solidarity with Ukraine and express it in the form of financial support for the work we plan to continue,” he added.