ISTANBUL

The UN on Thursday launched a $3.32 billion appeal to support those affected by the war in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in 2025.

The "Ukraine Regional Refugee and Humanitarian Response Plan" for 2025 was initiated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

According to the report released as part of the plan, the appeal aims to assist 8.2 million people impacted by the crisis within Ukraine and across borders.

“The plans launched with the Ukrainian government in Kyiv outline strategies to address the needs of those whose lives have been upended by the war,” the report stated.

Emphasizing the importance of continued international solidarity to sustain critical humanitarian efforts in 2025, the report noted that humanitarian organizations in Ukraine aim to provide food, health care, shelter, cash assistance, emergency education, protection, and other essential services to 6 million people next year.

With adequate funding and access, aid can continue to be delivered across the country, the report highlighted, adding that the humanitarian community stands ready to reach those in need in all regions.

The report also called on UN partners to support this appeal.

Global support

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, whose remarks were included in the report, expressed admiration for the resilience of the Ukrainian people despite immense hardships.

“The international community must stand firmly behind these plans, demonstrating the same determination as the Ukrainian people,” Fletcher stated.

UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi underscored the importance of continued support for millions of Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes and, in many cases, their country.

“This is not the time to forget the millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced,” Grandi said.

He praised the countries hosting Ukrainian refugees for their significant efforts over the past three years to help them rebuild their lives in a foreign land.

“Ukrainians hope for a change in conditions that will allow them to return home. We must continue to keep that hope alive,” Grandi added.