AS the grim milestone of 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, the plight of Ukrainian civilians has only intensified. With Russia’s systematic destruction of the country’s energy infrastructure, the people of Ukraine now face a deepening humanitarian crisis, struggling to survive the onslaught amid the looming hardships of another brutal winter.
“The intense attacks on critical infrastructure and civilian sites – and constant air-raid warnings – are exacting a grave toll on physical and mental health,” lamented Kelly T. Clements, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, during her recent visit to the war-torn nation.
The devastation is palpable. Since August, some 170,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in the east, joining the nearly 4 million who remain displaced within Ukraine and the 6.7 million more who have sought refuge outside the country. This includes 400,000 new refugees who crossed into Europe from the beginning of 2024 to August 2024, seeking safety from the relentless barrage of bombs.
In the war-ravaged city of Kharkiv, the sound of explosions filled the air as Clements visited a collective center supported by the UN Refugee Agency. There, she met Svitlana, a 65-year-old woman whose apartment was destroyed by a glide bomb just weeks prior. “Her quiet determination was a powerful reminder of Ukraine’s spirit,” Clements said, “even as the trauma of war permeates daily life.”
The crisis extends far beyond the frontlines. In Uzhhorod, near the borders with Hungary and Slovakia, the area has become a haven for hundreds of thousands of displaced people, straining the capacity of local communities to provide for those with specific needs.
“Countless children continue their studies online, missing out on social interaction and classroom experiences,” Clements said. “In places like Kharkiv, children study in underground shelters to avoid frequent, disruptive air raids. These ‘metro’ schools lack natural light and playgrounds.”
As the first snow of the season fell, a stark reminder of the looming hardships, Clements emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Now is not the time for partners to turn away. So much more needs to be done to help civilians survive the months ahead as energy facilities and other civil structures continue to be hit.”
Yet, amid the ruins of war, there are glimmers of hope. The Government of Ukraine has been leading humanitarian and recovery efforts with impressive speed, working closely with the UN and NGO partners to provide emergency aid and long-term solutions.
“Our work with the Government of Ukraine is strong at all levels, enabling us to support the humanitarian response as well as rebuilding efforts across the country,” Clements said. “Local responders quickly clear rubble and board up strike sites, symbolizing Ukraine’s strength and determination.”
Indeed, the resilience of the Ukrainian people shines through. Olena, a mother from Kharkiv, started a car wash business with the UN Refugee Agency’s support, providing stability for her family. Inna, another displaced woman, began a tailoring business in Zakarpattia, training local Roma women and creating community ties.
“In the Kyiv region, Liudmila had rebuilt her home with UNHCR’s help after it was destroyed,” Clements shared. “She is rebuilding her life – and now raises geese – smiling through the pain.”
As the war rages on, the humanitarian workers in Ukraine have become beacons of hope, many of them displaced themselves, yet remaining resilient, courageous, and dedicated to supporting their fellow citizens.
“None of the progress made would be possible without the generous support of UNHCR’s public and private donors,” Clements acknowledged. “The partnerships we have built over three decades in Ukraine are essential. Together, we are making a difference.”
