The UN may issue an emergency appeal for aid for Kyiv in response to Russia's attacks
The United Nations may issue an emergency appeal for aid for Kyiv due to additional needs caused by Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. This involves the possibility of securing additional funding to address the consequences of the strikes.
This was stated by Matthias Schmale, the UN System Coordinator in Ukraine and Humanitarian Coordinator, during an event dedicated to the UN’s response to the crisis caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The UN is considering an emergency aid plan for Kyiv
The United Nations is considering issuing a Flash Appeal for Kyiv. This is necessary to cover the capital’s additional needs arising from Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.
“In my opinion, Kyiv, as the capital, is of particular importance. We may have to issue a so-called Flash Appeal to meet the city’s additional specific needs,”
he said.
Important to know! A Flash Appeal is an emergency humanitarian appeal that international organizations, usually under the auspices of the UN, issue in response to a large-scale crisis. It includes a humanitarian response plan and an urgent request for funding. The purpose of this mechanism is to quickly raise funds from foreign governments, foundations, and the private sector to provide vital assistance to the affected population.
Matthias Schmale emphasized that Russia is not only damaging Ukraine’s energy and other critical infrastructure. Russian troops are also attacking warehouses and supermarket chains, and the blockade of grain exports is part of the economic pressure.
The UN System Coordinator noted that addressing the consequences of infrastructure destruction and economic attacks goes beyond the capabilities of humanitarian organizations and the UN itself.
Therefore, it is very important to coordinate mechanisms for further budgetary support with member states and international financial institutions. This is necessary so that critical government services can continue to operate and the economy can function,
– Shmale emphasized.
As a reminder, Kyiv is preparing for a potential “ the harshest winter since the start of the full-scale war ” due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Residents of the capital are already facing power outages, disruptions in water supply, and metro service suspensions caused by power cuts.
Alexander Kharchenko, director of the Center for Energy Research, explained that the situation is complicated by significant damage to the energy infrastructure accumulated as a result of previous Russian strikes. As the situation worsens, some Kyiv residents are considering moving to western regions of Ukraine, and the number of available apartments for rent in the capital has increased by nearly two-thirds since August.