The war started in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and caused civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure, forcing people to flee their homes seeking safety, protection and assistance. In the first five weeks, more than four million refugees from Ukraine crossed borders into neighbouring countries, and many more have been forced to move inside the country. They are in need of protection and support.
UNHCR provides forcibly displaced persons and those affected by the war with blankets, bed linen, towels, kitchen sets, and other goods as part of its emergency response. These humanitarian relief items are important, as they address urgent needs and reduce long-term vulnerability.
UNHCR distributes solid fuel for heating (coal and firewood) as part of its winterization plan to help particularly vulnerable persons to cope with the harsh Ukrainian winter. Due to the conflict, solid fuel is more difficult to acquire, as suppliers can no longer access remote villages near the line of contact. In other cases, families with low incomes cannot afford to purchase solid fuel for the entire winter and alternative options are not available. Additionally, the collection of firewood has become dangerous due to the presence of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Since 2014, UNHCR has distributed solid fuel to 18,202 conflict-affected households.
During winter 2017/2018, UNHCR Ukraine worked with its partners to deliver assistance in the form of non-food items such as winter clothing, as well as coal for heating, and cash grants to meet winter expenses. In total, 16,621 vulnerable conflict-affected persons living in areas near the line of contact in eastern Ukraine received winterization assistance. 7,413 individuals received coal for heating, 8,365 got winter jackets or other winter clothing, and 843 received winterization cash grants. UNHCR also provided winterization support at checkpoints on the line of contact in coordination with the State Border Guard Service.
Read more about Winterization campaign 2019-2020 here