UNHCR seeks $50 million as Russian strikes threaten heat and power for millions in Ukraine

UNHCR launched an emergency appeal Friday for at least $50 million to protect nine million people across Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon and Afghanistan from a dangerous winter, as Russian attacks continue to damage Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of the coldest months.

For Ukraine, now entering its fifth winter since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, the agency warned that temperatures could plunge to minus 20°C while strikes on civilian infrastructure threaten electricity outages and heating interruptions. In a separate briefing on 27 October, UNHCR had already flagged that intensified Russian strikes on energy infrastructure risk prolonged power cuts, leaving millions without electricity, heating and reliable water access, with attacks continuing both day and night and forcing additional people to flee.

Dominique Hyde, UNHCR's director of external relations, said resources are scarce and costs are rising just as winter approaches, warning that millions in fragile, war-affected countries risk facing the cold without adequate protection.

Ukraine's humanitarian scale is vast. Approximately 3.7 million people are internally displaced, more than 5.9 million Ukrainian refugees are abroad — primarily in Europe — and an estimated 10.8 million people inside the country require humanitarian assistance and protection. UNHCR estimates that nearly three million Ukrainian homes had been damaged or destroyed by the end of 2024.

A separate Ukraine-specific 2025–2026 Winter Response Plan, launched in July, seeks $358.4 million to assist 2.1 million vulnerable people.