OMM Newsroom
Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy and water systems, damaged homes and rising living costs could force more people to leave their homes this winter. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned on Friday that its country plan has received less than 7% of the funding required.
Artur Erken, IOM’s regional director for Europe and Central Asia, told journalists by video link from Kyiv in Geneva: “Winter is approaching rapidly in Ukraine, and for many Ukrainians the coming months may be the most difficult period since the full-scale war began.” AnewZ reported.
Temperatures are expected to fall in the coming months, according to IOM. After years of war, many families are struggling to secure reliable heating, electricity and water supplies.
Millions of people remain displaced in Ukraine
About 3.6 million people remain displaced within Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. An estimated 3.8 million people have returned to their homes, many of them to houses that are damaged or partially destroyed, IOM said.
People who have returned in the past three months are the group most likely to say they intend to move again, the organization said. This is raising concerns about deteriorating living conditions.
About 6 million Ukrainian refugees are currently living in European countries, including Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. Erken said he expected host countries to prepare for more arrivals if conditions in Ukraine worsened.
Energy and water systems under pressure
Repeated Russian strikes on energy and other critical infrastructure are putting increasing pressure on Ukraine’s electricity, heating and water systems, IOM said. Civilians continue to be killed and injured in missile and drone attacks.
Access to water is a particular concern because supply systems depend heavily on electricity. IOM has installed 31 solar power stations to support water systems across the country, but said humanitarian needs remain immense.
IOM warns of funding shortfall
The organization said the funding shortfall could limit assistance to more households facing freezing weather. IOM called for urgent funding to improve home insulation and help families prepare for winter.
