Ukraine invasion: UN seeks US$1.7 billion for urgent humanitarian aid
- UN estimates 12 million people in Ukraine and more than four million Ukrainian refugees in neighbouring nations will need assistance
- ‘This is the darkest hour for the people of Ukraine’ said UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths; ‘crisis has turned very ugly, very fast’
The United Nations launched an emergency appeal Tuesday for US$1.7 billion to provide urgent humanitarian aid to people caught up in the Russian invasion of Ukraine and refugees fleeing the fighting.
The UN estimates that 12 million people inside Ukraine will need relief and protection, while it projected that more than four million Ukrainian refugees may need help in neighbouring countries in the coming months.
“This is the darkest hour for the people of Ukraine,” UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said in a statement.
“The crisis has turned very ugly, very fast. We must turn that initial shock and disbelief and uncertainty about the days to come into compassion and solidarity with the millions of ordinary Ukrainians who now need emergency relief and protection.”
Up to 40 per cent of the funds will be distributed to people directly in cash.
The aid programme also includes food, water and sanitation, support for health care and education services, and shelter assistance to rebuild damaged homes.