EU announces E18 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine

February 20, 2017.

    Today Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides has announced additional funding for people affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine during his visit to the country.
    "The recent escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine, and its impact on the civilian population, is of great concern. Here today in Bakhmut , I want to tell the Ukrainian people: you are not alone. All civilians in need must be helped, on both sides of the contact line. Our new aid package will help humanitarian partners in eastern Ukraine to cover urgent medical, shelter, water and sanitation needs. It is crucial that aid gets to all vulnerable people affected by the conflict swiftly, safely and impartially." said Commissioner Christos Stylianides.
    The European Commission provides humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities, irrespective of which area of the conflict they live in or have fled to. Around 50% of the Commission's humanitarian assistance targets people in need in non-government controlled areas.
    Together with the funding provided directly by the Member States, the EU as a whole has directed over E399 million in humanitarian and recovery aid to those affected by the conflict since early 2014.
    Background:
    An estimated 2.8 million people are displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
    The complex crisis in eastern Ukraine has a dramatic impact on the population affected and with negative consequences for neighbouring countries. The recent escalation of violence in the Donbas shows the conflict is far from being solved. Heavy fighting in the vicinity of Adviivka on 29 January-5 February has resulted in 17,000 residents without water, electricity and heating for almost a week.
    Since the resurgence of violence, the EU has been providing support through its humanitarian partners that are delivering their assistance to the residents of Avdiivka and other recently affected areas. The provided aid includes drinking water, fuel, candles, torches, mattresses, winter clothing, construction materials, drugs and medical equipment.
    The Commission is also assisting Ukrainian refugees in Belarus and Russia through the national Red Cross Societies in the respective countries. All EU humanitarian assistance is based solely on the needs of the affected populations.
    Humanitarian needs: People living in the non-government controlled areas and on both sides of the line of contact, returnees, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) face shortages of essentials such as food, medicine and health care, basic household items, clean water and shelter. Basic services are not available in all areas as a result of damage to the infrastructure, electricity grid and water supply systems and increase of market prices.
    Who benefits: The EU's humanitarian aid goes to the people affected by the conflict, living in the non-government controlled areas and on both sides of the line of contact to refugees and to internally displaced people who have fled the conflict areas, as well as to returnees. EU humanitarian aid is often distributed in the form of cash and vouchers, allowing maximum efficiency and preserving the dignity of the affected people. The recipients can buy essential items at the local shops and markets, thus supporting the local economy.
    For more information:
    EU Humanitarian Assistance to Ukraine:
    http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/aid/countries/factsheets/ukraine_en.pdf