1,000 days of suffering, fear and courage: UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale urges the international community to stand with the people of Ukraine

A decade after protracted hostilities began, Ukrainians continue to endure the horrors of war on this 1000th day of suffering, fear, and uncertainty.

Since February 2022, over 39,000 civilians have been killed or injured, over 3,400 schools and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, and 10 million people have fled their homes. These are not just numbers; each one of them represents countless stories of individual unimaginable pain for the people of Ukraine.

During my trips to Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odesa, Sumy and many other places, I have spoken to people whose loved ones were killed and whose homes were destroyed during attacks. I have met people in transit sites who had to leave their lives behind carrying whatever of their belongings they could salvage in one small bag.  

At the same time, I have been deeply touched by the extraordinary courage and strength that the Ukrainian people have shown every day for nearly three years as they stood up after devastating attacks and dealt with the constant disruptions of everyday life.

We in the United Nations cannot erase the horrors of the war, but with considerable international support, we have worked with national and international organizations and the government to address the most acute needs of the most vulnerable, including people with limited mobility and older people. 

As Ukrainians brace for another winter of war, the UN's support and the solidarity of the international community must remain firm. I urge the international community to stand with Ukraine and to continue recognizing and supporting the heroic work of the many first responders, including volunteers.

From assisting people close to the front line and enabling education in emergencies for children to supporting the demining and green recovery of the agricultural and energy sectors, the UN is committed to continuing to mobilize relevant expertise and resources to alleviate suffering and start rebuilding prosperous and dignified lives.