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Despite a ceasefire agreement that came into force on 15 February 2015, the volatile security situation in Eastern Ukraine hampers access of humanitarian organisations to people in need of food, health, basic household items, clean water and shelter.
"The protection of civilians and unhindered access for international humanitarian organisations to all parts of Ukraine are absolute priorities," says EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides. "I support the call of the International Committee of the Red Cross to avoid any kind of politicization of humanitarian aid in Ukraine. The EU is spearheading international humanitarian aid efforts. Our assistance goes where it is needed most and is delivered in line with International Humanitarian Law and humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. All affected populations in dire need, whoever and wherever they are, should receive humanitarian aid."
Due to the combined impact of conflict, displacement and harsh winter conditions, five million people in Ukraine are affected today. The EU and its Member States have contributed around € 129 million in financial aid and over 85 tons of relief items to the affected population of Ukraine in a joint gesture of solidarity over the course of the crisis.
Read more on the EU's humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
