The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been forced to scale back humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians evacuated from frontline areas, Reuters reported, citing UNHCR representative in Ukraine, Karolina Lindholm Billing.
The primary reason for the cuts is a sharp decline in funding — particularly due to the suspension of support from the United States, which accounted for up to 40% of the agency’s budget last year. Additionally, other Western donors have reduced contributions, prioritizing defense spending instead.
Of the $3.32 billion UNHCR requested to support 8.2 million people in Ukraine, only about 25% has been secured. As a result, critical programs such as emergency financial aid, psychosocial support, and the provision of materials for temporary housing have been suspended or significantly reduced.
Since January 2025, around 9,000 displaced people have received assistance at UNHCR transit centers in Pavlohrad and Sumy, where they are provided with clothing, hygiene kits, legal aid, and psychological support. In total, more than 200,000 people have been evacuated or relocated from frontline areas since August last year.
UNHCR is urging international donors to urgently step up support to ensure continued aid to the most vulnerable populations affected by the war.
