Extra EU funding for UNHCR to help Ukraine through winter

The European Union has contributed an additional €26.4 million to support the winter response being rolled out by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, across Ukraine.

This comes on top of the €17.5 million the EU had previously provided to UNHCR’s Ukraine operation in 2024 and the €4 million for UNHCR’s support to Ukrainian refugees in Moldova.

“With temperatures below -20°C and relentless shelling, millions of Ukrainians face harsh conditions in damaged homes. Supporting them through these hardships is paramount to the EU. With our partner UNHCR, we are providing cash assistance, materials, and repairs to help them face the cold months ahead,” said Janez Lenarčič, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management.

One cash assistance programme allows those who do not have access to centralised heating or cannot rely on gas, to purchase solid fuel to heat their homes. This assistance aims to reach 57,000 of the most vulnerable households nationwide.

Another winter cash programme is aimed to reach 71,000 war-affected households living in frontline communities, who are already struggling to make ends meet and cover basic necessities, to help them pay the increased expenses for heating.

In addition, UNHCR is distributing rapid thermal kits to families with items that will allow them to quickly and easily insulate their homes from the cold. UNHCR is also doing repair works, such as installing new high-quality windows and repairing damaged roofs, in war-damaged homes and in collective sites hosting displaced people, to improve the living conditions and warmth.

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Press release