Matthias Schmale, the United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, made assessments on the Russia-Ukraine War that started in February 2022. Schmale reported that more than 12 thousand civilians were killed in Ukraine and approximately 40 percent of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance.
Matthias Schmale, the United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, made his assessments at the weekly press conference of the UN Office at Geneva. Recalling that the war between Russia and Ukraine started in February 2022, Schmale said, “More than 12 thousand people have been killed since then. Almost 40 percent of the people in Ukraine need humanitarian assistance.” Schmale noted that the UN aims to provide assistance and protection to 8.5 million people within the scope of this year’s Ukraine Humanitarian Response Plan. Noting that there have been attacks on infrastructure in Ukraine, Schmale said that there have been more than 2,000 attacks on health facilities since February 2022.
“CIVILIANS’ CONDITIONS ARE GETTING WORSE” “Systematic attacks on energy infrastructure could pose an additional risk to already vulnerable people, especially in winter, if power outages extend for more than a few days in sub-zero temperatures,” Schmale said. Schmale, who pointed out that the UN, NGOs and volunteer organizations have reached at least 7.2 million people thanks to the $1.8 billion in aid provided for the humanitarian intervention in Ukraine, drew attention to the fact that civilian conditions have worsened as temperatures have started to drop. Schmale said that they plan to reach 1.8 million people by March 2025 and that $500 million in funds are needed for this. Schmale, who emphasized that regions where war is taking place pose serious security risks for civilians and humanitarian workers, said, “In 2024, 9 humanitarian workers lost their lives in the line of duty and humanitarian aid facilities were damaged.”
