Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 17, 2025 Humanitarian aid
Residents of Ukraine are preparing for their fourth winter amidst a full-scale war. Civilian infrastructure is currently under enormous strain, and families' resources are stretched to the limit.
Due to severe damage to energy, heating, and plumbing systems, many residential buildings, as well as healthcare and educational institutions, will be without heat, electricity, or water. The situation will only worsen as cold weather approaches. Since February 2022, district heating systems have suffered approximately $2.5 billion in damage.
Over the past three years, poverty levels among the Ukrainian population have risen, increasing the risks to children's health and well-being, especially in subzero temperatures in the regions hardest hit by the war. Last winter, one in five families reported health problems related to the cold at home.
"Children and families already living under daily stress will now be forced to endure another winter of war," said UNICEF spokesman Munir Mammadzadeh.
“We are working in collaboration with local partners to support vulnerable families and minimize the impact of the winter period,” he added.
UNICEF's response plan for the 2025–2026 winter months is based on past experience and addresses families' needs. Many noted that cash assistance significantly improved their living conditions: 94 percent of families stated that financial support was their most preferred form of winter assistance. Almost all households spent the funds on utilities, heating, and electricity, as well as winter clothing and footwear.
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UNICEF plans to provide cash transfers to families and schools, as well as support the repair and modernization of district heating systems. The plan includes three key areas: cash assistance for 272,000 people in frontline areas, including approximately 122,000 children, as well as children with special needs; financial support for 600 educational institutions; and the provision of equipment and emergency repairs to district heating systems, which will provide heat to one million people, including 170,000 children.
This work is consistent with The UN and Humanitarian Partners Winter Response Plan for 2025–2026, aimed at providing assistance to more than 1.7 million people.
Winter preparation measures have been underway for several months to ensure the necessary materials and equipment are delivered in advance. For example, new gas boilers and pipes were recently delivered and installed for a boiler house in Konotop, Sumy Oblast, providing more reliable heating for 80,000 people. This is just one example, UNICEF notes.
The plan is currently 37 percent funded, and an additional $41 million is urgently needed to help the most vulnerable children and families survive the freezing winter months.
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.
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