Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 27, 2025 Humanitarian aid
UNICEF is supporting the repair of damaged civilian structures in Ukraine, but there is no guarantee they will not be destroyed again in future attacks. According to Kenan Madi, head of field operations for UNICEF Ukraine, the UN Children's Fund is doing everything possible to help millions of young Ukrainians living in war, constant shelling, and power outages.
"Families need basic necessities, like water. Children need a safe place to learn and interact with their peers, because in many cases they don't have that opportunity," Madi told UN News.
Life under fire
UNICEF's priority is to ensure access to water, education, and psychological support in the hardest-hit regions of Ukraine. In September alone, the organization helped restore water supply to 300,000 people, and since the beginning of the year, more than three million Ukrainians have received such support.
However, restoring infrastructure is becoming increasingly difficult: attacks on energy and water facilities continue.
Psychological support
Much attention is being paid to psychological support. "Children living near the front lines are under enormous pressure. We have a mental health team that has supported approximately 16,000 children and 25,000 parents and guardians in the last month alone. Over the past year, more than 300,000 people have received psychological support," noted a UNICEF representative.
© UNICEF
Preparing for winter
The winter preparation campaign began in mid-September. "We've provided cash assistance to over 30,000 people, and the campaign continues. This is crucial—especially in frontline areas—for families who use these funds to purchase fuel, warm clothing, and other essentials before the winter season," Madi said.
He noted that due to shelling and the destruction of public utilities, people are left without heat and water: "UNICEF is mobilizing all resources to restore damaged facilities, such as water utilities and pumping stations. Unfortunately, these services are often targeted, and this directly impacts the lives of children in frontline areas."
Recent attacks have shown that humanitarian needs extend far beyond the frontlines. "Due to attacks in Kyiv and the Kyiv region, there have been power outages in the city. There are also reports of problems in Chernihiv, Sumy, and other regions. This is affecting water supplies, heating, and the well-being of children and people's daily lives," said a UNICEF representative.
Madi said his colleague recently returned from the Chernihiv region: "When I asked what the situation was like there, he replied, 'It's very dark, you can't see anything.' In some rural areas, it's pitch black. Families with children live in such conditions."
Education in times of war
UNICEF continues to support Ukraine's education system. According to Madi, in frontline regions, approximately 350,000 children have returned to class, but over 400,000 are studying in a blended format—in-person only one or two days a week—due to a lack of shelter space in schools. Meanwhile, approximately 280,000 children are studying exclusively online.
A UNICEF official noted that distance learning cannot replace regular lessons: "If children lose the opportunity to learn, it's difficult to make up for it later." Moreover, the consequences of disruptions to the educational process will be felt long-term.
© UNICEF/A. Filippov
Since 2022, UNICEF, with support from the Ukrainian government and donors including the EU, Germany, Korea, Norway, and Spain, has restored over 100 schools and kindergartens. "This year, another 42 are undergoing renovation. We are quickly assisting schools with repairs, but some are being damaged again due to strikes," Madi said.
Lack of funds and growing needs
UNICEF's response plan for Ukraine is 78 percent funded this year. "Globally, humanitarian funding is declining, but the needs of Ukrainians, unfortunately, are only increasing," Madi noted.
He emphasized that the destruction of infrastructure has a knock-on effect: hospitals need electricity to provide care to patients, and water utilities and heating systems also depend on electricity.
The story of a Kharkiv resident
"I was recently in Kharkiv," Madi said. "There I met a woman raising twins with autism. She's having a very difficult time. Lack of access to services has a profound impact on such families."
"UNICEF was able to help her with cash payments ahead of winter so she could buy essential items, including warm clothes and blankets," he added.
According to Madi, there are many such stories: "This is not an isolated incident. Many families struggle to survive day to day. Unfortunately, it gets harder and harder for them every year."
“Children deserve a better future,” the UNICEF representative emphasized.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.