Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 4, 2026 Humanitarian aid
Ukraine is experiencing its "hardest winter" since the start of the full-scale war. Temperatures are dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius, and attacks on energy infrastructure are leaving hundreds of thousands of people without heat and electricity. Kenan Madi, head of field operations for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in the country, told the UN News Service.
According to him, attacks on energy facilities have become more frequent since late December, leading to serious damage to heating and power grids. As a result, essential services are being disrupted in major cities.
"I've been here for over three and a half years and I can say from personal experience: this is the hardest winter Ukraine has ever seen," Madi said.
Children in the cold and isolation
The crisis is having a particularly severe impact on children, UNICEF emphasizes. In Ukrainian cities, most people live in multi-story buildings designed for centralized heating. Without it, finding alternative heating sources is extremely difficult.
"Every aspect of a child's life is complicated right now," Madi said, citing the example of children with disabilities. He described a rehabilitation center he recently visited. Many children can't get there because the elevators are out of order due to power outages.
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Power outages are forcing schools to close, depriving children of the opportunity to learn. According to Madi, children are "sitting at home, in the cold, in the dark, unable to go to school, and there's no end in sight."
Health and mental health risks
UNICEF is concerned not only about the physical condition of children, but also about their mental health.
"It's difficult to single out any one risk today. Children are at risk in all areas: massive learning losses, cold-related illnesses, severe mental health impacts, and living in constant fear and darkness," said a UNICEF representative.
Of particular concern is the situation of children with severe illnesses who require specialized electrical equipment to sustain life. "We receive many requests to help such families with alternative energy sources," Madi noted.
Support UNICEF
UNICEF is expanding its winter assistance program. The organization provides cash assistance to the most vulnerable families with children, which has already reached over 200,000 people.
In addition, the United Nations Children's Fund is developing protection and psychosocial support programs. Schools are receiving grants to purchase heating equipment.
The organization also supports public utilities– supplies powerful generators, repair equipment, and materials to restore water and heating systems. Together with emergency services, UNICEF is helping to set up warming stations—places where people can stay warm, charge their devices, and receive psychological support.
Madi recounted a meeting with an elderly woman who brought her granddaughter, Ira, to such a center. The girl was there for a psychologist's consultation. Their building had no electricity, the elevator wasn't working, and the apartment was cold and dark. The elderly woman had to walk down the stairs, holding her granddaughter. It was clearly difficult for her to move, Madi noted. But the grandmother wanted Ira to see the light, warm up a bit, and have someone talk to her. When asked how she would get back up the stairs, the woman replied, "Yes, it's very difficult, but it's worth it."
A Call for Peace
According to Madi, humanitarian workers themselves live in the same conditions as city residents—without electricity or heat. Nevertheless, they continue to carry out their mission, inspired by the resilience of Ukrainians.
A UNICEF representative emphasized: "The consequences of war on children are colossal, and they are extremely difficult to overcome. This is not just about funding. This is not just about the humanitarian response. This is about one day allowing us all to live in peace for the sake of the children of Ukraine and the entire planet. We hope that day will come. In the meantime, we continue to work."
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.