GENEVA (AP) — The United Nations said Monday it needs $4.2 billion to provide humanitarian assistance in Ukraine in 2024 and help millions of refugees who have fled the war-torn country.
While the Gaza war has dominated the headlines in recent months, the Russian war in Ukraine enters its third year in February.
The United Nations hopes to reach 8.5 million people in Ukraine and 2.3 million refugees and their host communities in Eastern Europe.
“A recent wave of attacks highlights the devastating civilian cost of war, while a bitter winter exacerbates the urgent need for life-saving humanitarian assistance,” the UN said.

The full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022 was the largest invasion of a European country since World War II and the largest refugee crisis the continent has faced since the 1939-1945 conflict.

According to the United Nations, 14.6 million people in Ukraine will need humanitarian assistance this year – 40 percent of the population – and they will try to reach the 8.5 million most in need.

“Hundreds of thousands of children live in communities on the front lines of war, scared, traumatized and deprived of basic needs,” U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths said in a statement.

“This fact alone should force us to do everything we can to provide more humanitarian aid to Ukraine.”

“Homes, schools and hospitals continue to be affected, as do water, gas and electricity systems. The entire fabric of society is under attack, with devastating consequences.”

6.3 MILLION REFUGEES

Griffiths and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi unveiled the plan at a joint press conference at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Around 6.3 million people have fled Ukraine and remain refugees, mostly across Europe.
The regional refugee response plan includes $1.1 billion and aims to reach 2.3 million refugees and host communities.

“Millions of refugees from Ukraine still urgently need support,” emphasized Grandi.

Only half of Ukrainian school-age refugee children attend schools in host countries, the UN says, while a quarter of vulnerable refugees struggle to access medical care.

Only 40 to 60 percent are employed – often below their qualifications – while many remain vulnerable and have no means of subsistence.

“Hosting countries continue to expand protection and integrate them into society, but many vulnerable refugees still need help. They should not feel forced to return because they cannot make ends meet in exile,” Grandi said.

“All refugees must be helped and given the opportunity to use and develop their talents in order to prepare them for eventual voluntary return if the situation permits.”

Focus on the hardest hitting attacks

The 2023 humanitarian assistance plan for Ukraine included $3.9 billion and was 64 percent funded.

The United Nations said aid workers reached 10.5 million people in Ukraine in 2023, despite access difficulties – particularly to areas occupied by Russian forces.

In its global humanitarian appeals this year, the United Nations has tried to temper its goals and prioritize those in need with smaller appeals in the hope that they will be more reliably funded.

This year the demand is $3.1 billion.

“The response strategy in 2024 will focus on those with the greatest humanitarian needs across the country, particularly those on the front lines,” the United Nations said.

Russia has intensified its air strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks. By strengthening its arsenal, it prepared for a long war and reoriented its economy.