UN Official: Russian strikes could spark new displacement wave in Ukraine
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale stated that the approaching winter and continued Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure could trigger a new wave of mass population displacement, according to Reuters.
"The real concern is if they were to target the energy sector again, this could be a tipping point...for further mass movements, both inside the country and outside the country," he said.
Since the war began in February 2022, over 6 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave the country, and 3.6 million have become internally displaced. The situation is further complicated by the fact that approximately 65% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure is currently shut down due to attacks. According to Schmale, this figure is higher than in previous winters.
To prevent a humanitarian disaster, the UN and its partners are implementing a Winter Response Plan, which includes the delivery of fuel and essential items.
"Shelters, known as Invincibility Points, where residents can warm up and drink tea, have also been set up," Schmale added.
A particular concern is the situation in areas close to the front line, such as Kharkiv and Kherson.
"So far, aid workers have reached about half of the 1.7 million people targeted, but funding shortages are constraining efforts," he reported.
This year, $1.8 billion has been allocated for the humanitarian needs of the $3.1 billion required, less than in 2022 and 2023.
Schmale urged donors not to reduce their support for Ukraine.
"So the trend is clearly downwards, but we still get a lot of money compared to other crisis situations, and our plea is that this is maintained because the war is not over," he emphasized.
Winter in Ukraine
Since the full-scale invasion, Russia has been systematically attacking Ukrainian territory, with a particular focus on its energy infrastructure. Almost every night, Russian forces launch dozens of drones targeting critical facilities.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that this winter will be the most serious test for Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion.
According to the UN, Ukrainians will face electricity outages this winter, which could last from four to 18 hours a day.
