As temperatures across Ukraine have plummeted below zero and are expected to drop even more, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mission in Ukraine, is stepping up efforts to help displaced and war-affected people cope with cold weather conditions. With humanitarian funding from the European Union, IOM will support over 700,000 Ukrainians with multi-sectoral assistance during the winter months, which will be the most challenging season yet for the country.

IOM’s winterization support, made possible with funding from the EU, includes the refurbishment of collective centres hosting displaced people, the improvement of water supply, wastewater and heating systems, the repair of damaged homes, as well as the distribution of high-thermal blankets, bedding kits, mattresses, and hygiene items. It also includes the provision of solid fuel, and cash assistance enabling people to have flexible means for supporting themselves during winter. With this funding, IOM will stock critical items ensuring war-affected people in Ukraine continue to be reached, and that will serve as well to support partners responding to the urgent needs on the ground.

In total, mobile teams will conduct repair works in 375 collective sites and social institutions, improving insulation, fixing leaking roofs, replacing broken windows, non-functioning radiators, and installing additional showers.  IOM will refurbish 5,800 private homes and distribute emergency shelter kits to enable people to make necessary improvements themselves. Solid fuel will be provided to help families stay warm during the cold period. IOM will also support municipalities in areas recently retaken by the Government of Ukraine with construction materials and generators.

“Displaced and war-affected people will face new and growing challenges as the war drags on and winter grips Ukraine. Our key priority is to support warm, safe, and dignified conditions to help people get through the next few months,” said Anh Nguyen, IOM Ukraine Chief of Mission.  

“The vulnerable people in Ukraine are going through the most difficult winter. As attacks continue leaving millions without reliable access to electricity, heating, and water, our humanitarian partners like IOM continue working to meet the most pressing needs,” said Claudia Amaral, Head of EU Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine.

Around 18 million Ukrainians, or 40 per cent of the country’s population, are in need of humanitarian assistance, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates. Continuous attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure have multiplied the devastating impact of the war and risks for the most affected people.

IOM's latest survey shows that despite multiple attacks on the country’s power supply and heating infrastructure, Ukrainians plan to spend the winter at their current locations: only seven per cent of respondents nationwide are actively considering leaving. At the same time, private resources for survival are becoming scarce, as 43 per cent of all families in Ukraine have completely exhausted their savings.

For more information, please contact Varvara Zhluktenko, vzhluktenko@iom.int, +38 067 447 97 92.