Remarks by Matthias Schmale, Assistant Secretary-General, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, at the Palais Press Briefing

February 24th marks the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and it is a somber milestone. We should remember that for three years now civilians in Ukraine have endured continuous attacks, displacement and hardship. We must also remember that this began back in 2014 so all children that were born since - all children up to the age of 11 - have never experienced their country at peace.

In 2024 last year, there was a 30% increase in civilian casualties compared to the year before, and the humanitarian situation is worsening. We think that 36%, more than a third of Ukraine’s population - 12.7 million people - need humanitarian assistance this year. Winter makes everything even more hazardous and dangerous. It's getting cold again; last night in Kyiv, it was minus eight degrees Celsius, and it is even colder along the front lines.

Attacks on energy infrastructure risk leaving hospitals and homes without electricity and heating during these coldest months of the year. A few days ago, in Mykolaiv, 100,000 people were left without access to electricity and there are other examples like this. Allow me to mention that going into the fourth year of war, there is also a hidden crisis of mental health. At the moment, there are attacks every night. This past night, all of us here in Kyiv were woken up yet again by air sirens and loud explosions. And this, of course, has a serious psychological impact. I sometimes call this "psychological terror from the sky." This is weakening the resilience we often speak of - I have seen incredible examples of how people get up and rebuild. But resilience understandably is weakening as this goes on.

It is alarming to mention, that as a Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, I have identified four key priorities for this year:

1.Continuing support along the front line, delivering aid to some very vulnerable people who have chosen to stay home.

Last year, we had 50 humanitarian convoys, delivering 550 metric tons of essential supplies to war-torn communities. We will continue these operations in 2025.

2. Supporting evacuations from the front-line areas.

There are, in particular, vulnerable people among the older people and people with limited abilities who face hardship due to intensified Russian offensives. Evacuations are ongoing, and we are supporting displaced individuals with essential goods and cash assistance as they are on the move to transit centers, collective sites, and wherever they end up being. Allow me to also mention the other side of the front line - the occupied territories. We continue not to have basically any real access to these territories, but we do know that there are many vulnerable people in the occupied territory without support.

3. Continue supporting in particular local organizations who respond to strikes and perform humanitarian activity.

I have been to several impact sites and have met the local first responders - over 600 organizations that are operational in Ukraine - and was impressed with their work and remarkable speed - within one hour after an attack they arrive on the spot and help those who have just lost loved ones or their homes. It is crucial that we continue supporting them.

4. Finding long-term solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Over 10 million people have been uprooted by this war. At least 3.7 million Ukrainians remain displaced within the country. As the crisis becomes more protracted, it is critical to go beyond emergency aid and focus on durable solutions, including employment, social housing, access to healthcare, and education. The Ukrainian government is increasingly focused on these issues, and we are working closely with them to develop long-term recovery plans.

To implement these four priorities in 2025, we need $2.6 billion in funding. This will allow us to sustain lifesaving assistance for at least six million people.

We urge the international community to continue to be generous. Ukraine must not be forgotten. We understand that global attention is divided, with multiple crises demanding resources. However, humanitarian needs in Ukraine remain urgent, and international community support is critical.

Thank you for this opportunity.