Six months into the war Ukrainians prepare for new winter challenges

Six months after the invasion of Ukraine, millions of people remain displaced from their homes and needs continue to grow.

Ukrainians are struggling to rebuild their damaged homes, reunite with families and recover from the trauma of war. They are in urgent need of financial assistance, having lost their jobs and incomes, while the price of essentials continues to rise.

These families will face even greater challenges as winter approaches.

“Winter is just around the corner and winters in Ukraine are very harsh and severe, extremely cold,” says Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “So we must do everything possible to prevent the cold of winter from becoming the next challenge for people who already have to face so much in their lives.” 

Though exacerbated by war in 2022, the conflict in Ukraine has been going on since 2014. For millions, the coming months will be yet another grueling winter compounded by the fears and uncertainties of displacement. And winter is a particularly dangerous time of year in Ukraine as temperatures can plummet below 15°F.

According to Kostyantyn Dmytrenko, Associate Shelter Officer with UNHCR in Ukraine, “many homes have damaged roofs and windows, leaving residents exposed to cold, rain and snow. Many families will struggle to buy warm clothes, pay for utilities or buy solid fuel for heating as many lost their jobs and livelihoods and as the war brought about an economic crisis.”

Last year, UNHCR’s winterization program helped 450 families survive freezing winter temperatures in Ukraine. As part of this initiative, Elmi Muhammad, Isaak Shamso Hassan and their six children received cash assistance to cover their additional needs during the winter season — such as warm clothes, housing and heating.

But that was before the war began. Today, many of the cities and towns' centralized heating plants, which serve thousands of homes, have been damaged. Leaving people with little to no access to heating.

“We need to work to help ensure that homes are properly rehabilitated and insulated to protect people against the freezing temperatures and the snow,” Kostyantyn continues.

UNHCR will also distribute winter items — such as thermal blankets, warm clothes and heaters — and, like with Elmi and Isaak’s family, provide cash assistance to help families afford utilities.

“The winter could bring greater challenges and at UNHCR, we will take all necessary steps to complement the efforts of the Government to respond to these challenges.”

How you can help…

You can support the UN Refugee Agency’s lifesaving work in Ukraine, and help prepare for increasing winter needs in the region, by becoming USA for UNHCR’s newest monthly donor. Your compassionate donation could mean the difference between a difficult winter, and one filled with warmth and comfort for Ukrainians in need.