Attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities and infrastructure have affected 65 percent of production capacity, disrupting electricity, heating and water supplies across the country.
UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly Clements said during her visit last week she saw clearly the profound impact of the crisis on innocent people.
According to him, the constant threat of deadly attacks and airstrikes on critical infrastructure and civilian sites is taking a toll on the physical and mental health of local citizens.
Since August, about 170,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in eastern Ukraine. Since the outbreak of war in February 2022, nearly 4 million people have been displaced within Ukraine’s borders, while 6.7 million have sought refuge in other countries.
This includes 400,000 new refugees who have moved to other European countries from the beginning of 2024 to August.
Common life at risk
Kharkiv is one of the most affected areas of the war in Ukraine, where the grim reality of the war can be seen.
Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements said explosions could be heard at a center supported by the UN refugee agency during her visit.
He met 65-year-old Svitlana, whose house was destroyed in the bombing. According to the UN agency official, their quiet courage, despite the stigma of war in everyday life, was a powerful example of Ukrainian spirit.
Kelly Clements’ trip saw snow for the first time this season. Due to attacks on energy facilities and civilian facilities, citizens of Ukraine may face many challenges in the coming months.
Education has been deeply affected, and countless children are deprived of attending classes and playing with classmates.
In Kharkiv, children are forced to study in underground shelters. To escape the frequent airstrikes, they take shelter in the metro station, where they study, but there is no provision for natural light and playgrounds.
Recovery efforts
According to the Deputy High Commissioner, despite these challenges, signs of recovery and resilience are visible in Ukraine. The government of Ukraine is leading rapid humanitarian and recovery efforts.
Aid workers on the ground quickly cleared debris from roads and visited affected areas, demonstrating Ukraine’s strength and resilience.
The UN refugee agency had issued an aid appeal of one billion dollars for 2024, of which only 50 percent has been implemented.
The Deputy High Commissioner said, this is not the time for partners to turn their backs. The Ukraine war is entering its third year and support must continue.