GENEVA

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday said that the agency is appealing for $255 million to reach 2 million people in Ukraine in 2025 as the war approaches its fourth year.


Nearly a third of Ukraine’s population needs humanitarian support, and internally displaced persons and returnees are among the most vulnerable, the IOM said in a statement.

According to the latest report from the agency, nearly two-thirds of Ukraine’s 3.7 million internally displaced persons have been away from their homes for more than two years, and tens of thousands of people continue to leave their homes behind every month as they escape from frontline areas, primarily in the east and northeast of Ukraine.

"Many of those displaced have depleted their savings and they lack income opportunities, making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to afford food, medicine and other essentials," the IOM said.

It noted that about 4.2 million people have returned from displacement, and a quarter of them reported having returned from abroad. Compared to non-displaced people, it added that the returnees are "more likely" to spend their savings, accept low-paid jobs, and sell their belongings to meet basic needs.


IOM called on donors and partners to continue contributing to longer-term solutions to reduce communities' reliance on humanitarian aid in Ukraine and prepare the ground for the next steps.