24 February 2025 — Three years since the escalation of the war in Ukraine, the conflict continues to take a devastating toll on millions of lives, with 12.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance today. Thousands of Ukrainians are still being forced from their homes by relentless shelling and advancing fighting. In areas beyond the Government’s control, one million people endure dire humanitarian conditions, yet access for aid organisations remains severely restricted.
As the war persists, financial insecurity, mental health support, and safety remain the top concerns for those affected. Alarmingly, 45% of people interviewed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) report that their income is insufficient to cover their basic needs. One-third of the population cannot afford medical care, with the same proportion relying on mobile medical clinics for treatment. Nearly 90% of families living in frontline areas report severe mental health struggles at home, while anecdotal evidence shows growing tensions between displaced people and local communities, driven by the prolonged economic and emotional strain of war.
Tamara and Anatolii, a couple from Pokrovsk, shared their harrowing experience with IRC teams:
“We had a cellar where we took shelter when the city was under attack. It was horrifying. Sometimes we lay on the floor, waiting for the shelling to stop, before calling our loved ones to ask, ‘Are you alive?’ The fear was unbearable. We tried to endure, but with no gas, little water, and the deafening explosions every night, survival became impossible. A neighbouring house was destroyed, and we knew we wouldn’t last. The fear alone would kill us. So, we left, hoping for a chance to finally sleep.”
Alain Homsy, IRC Ukraine Country Director, emphasized the enduring humanitarian needs:
"No one needs a reminder that humanitarian needs in Ukraine will outlast the conflict, persisting long after the war ends. The need for humanitarian aid does not end when headlines fade - solidarity has no expiration date.
As the war enters its fourth year, the IRC urges the international community to remain steadfast in its commitment to the people of Ukraine. The most critical need for humanitarian organisations right now is sustained funding to ensure lifesaving support can continue without interruption.”