In the nearly 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, thousands of civilians have been killed, the country’s energy capacity is on the brink of collapse and drones terrify communities on the frontline, the UN’s top aid official in the country said on Friday
“You can evidently not deliver a tonne of solid fuel to a high-rise building,” Mr. Schmale explained, adding that collective shelters in cities and towns that provide warm meals, a shower and a hot drink were welcome, but “not enough”.
One of the veteran humanitarian’s biggest concerns is if the Russian forces target the energy sector again, as the weather turns bitterly cold.
Mass displacement threat looms
“It could be a tipping point forcing further mass displacement both inside the country and outside the country,” Mr. Schmale warned. “So, this is not just about technical solutions, it’s about urging the international community to do its bit to stop this war.”
To date, the UN, national and international NGOs and volunteer organizations have reached 7.2 million people in Ukraine with at least one type of aid, thanks to the $1.8 billion received for the humanitarian response.
To prepare for winter and address the emergency needs of 1.8 million people until March by delivering solid fuel, ensuring water systems continue to work and by providing cash relief, the UN and partners require $500 million.
But the situation is dangerous on the frontline for communities and aid workers, nine of whom have been killed in the line of duty this year. Humanitarian facilities have also been damaged.
Drone terror
“Many people have told me on my visits that they feel civilians and civilian infrastructure and civil society are increasingly targeted by drone attacks; and drone attacks are terrible, I don’t need to describe that to you,” Mr. Schmale said, citing the testimonies of people describing being followed by drones.
“Some of this is also psychological terror, because…you never quite know, will they strike or are they just observing?”
Asked to assess how the new US administration might work to alleviate suffering in Ukraine, the UN aid coordinator highlighted the Secretary-General’s wish that the “significant” humanitarian support of the United States would continue. “They have been by far our biggest individual country supporter,” Mr. Schmale said.
“The hope is that they understand like the present administration that there are huge humanitarian needs that need to continue to be addressed.”
